Cropping soil erosion control

Researchers working for the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station developed the stubble-mulch or crop residue mulch practice, a highly effective method of soil erosion control (Douley and Russel, 1939). Stubble mulching used subsurface tillage implements that left crop residues on the soil surface and provided some protection against wind and water erosion (Zingg and Whitfield, 1957). 

Standard oilseed crops are not often suitable to marginal lands where factors such as low moisture, low fertility, and saline soils play an important role in the possible crop to be grown. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing agronomic systems with low requirements for fertilizer, pesticides, and energy, which provide better soil erosion control than conventional systems. Camehna can grow in these extreme conditions and provide oilseed with enhanced nutritional value (59, 60). 

Chemical, cultural, and mechanical weed control practices have been relatively successful ia reducing yield losses from weeds (448). However, herbicide-resistant weed populations, soil erosion, pesticide persistence ia the environment, and other problems associated with technologies used (ca 1993) to control weeds have raised concerns for the long-term efficacy and sustainability of herbicide-dependent crop production practices (449). These concerns, coupled with ever-increasing demands for food and fiber, contribute to the need for innovative weed management strategies (450). 

Cover crops Improves fertility Improves water availability Nutrient recycling Reduces costs Soil erosion and runoff control Weed control Kalinova (2009) Malezieux et al. (2009) Pati et al. (2009) Runyon et al. (2009) Stagnari et al. (2009) Wu and Sardo (2009) Zuazo and Pleguezuelo (2009)... 

Conservation agroecosystems developed in the Great Plains of the U.S. to control soil erosion are characterized by the presence of varying quantities of plant residues on the soil surface. This residue mulch protects the soil from the erosive forces of wind and water, resulting in improved stream water quality and soil conservation. Conservation tillage systems also help maintain soil productivity and reduce energy requirements of crop production (15). However, crop yield reduction has been observed with conservation wheat production in some areas of the U.S. (16-18) and with rice culture in the Far East (, 20). 

As a result of modern agricultural technology and farmer trial and error, great progress has been made toward the development of systems that provide long-term sustainability with reasonable use of agricultural chemicals. Farmers are concerned about weed control, weather, soil conditions, crop yield, and environmental stewardship. Alternatives to herbicides often come with costs or tradeoffs, such as increased soil erosion, lowered operational efficiency, more land needed, or reduced profits. 

In small-scale farm production of ethanol a possible environmental impact could occur through removal of crop residues for use as a boiler fuel. Crop residues are important because they help control soil erosion through their cover and provide nutrients, minerals, and fibrous material which help maintain soil quality. However, not more than one-third to one-half of the residues from a grain crop devoted to ethanol production need be used to fuel the process. Also, there are several methods, such as crop rotation and winter cover crops, which lessen the impact of crop residue removal. ... 

Tillage—This is an effective and often-used method to kill or control weeds in row crops, nnrseries, and forest plantings. However, tillage may bring buried seeds to the surface where they can either germinate and compete with the newly planted crop or be spread to nearby fields. Tillage also may increase soil erosion and may help to spread established plant diseases to uninfected areas of the field. 

Mowing—Mowing may be used to reduce competition between weeds and crops and to prevent flowering and seeding of annual or biennial weeds. Mowing is often used in orchards to control weeds and prevent soil erosion. To be most effective, mowing height must be adequate to ensure control of... 

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