If considering no-till small grain production, it is essential to use a properly designed, heavy duty drill that can cut through the residue, place seed in contact with the soil without incorporating residue, and firm the soil over the seed. Selecting a drill with fertilizer capability is also important. Summary Various factors including soil characteristics, crop rotation, residue management, disease problems, seeding equipment, and management ability must be considered when selecting a residue management system including small grains. In rotations with moderate amounts of residue, many systems will work on a variety of soils. In the upper Minnesota River basin, higher levels of residue may contribute to increased soil moisture and subsequent yield increases in dry years.
Crop rotation is a major factor in minimizing the disease problems in small grains.
The results of studies in Douglas, Norman, and Becker Counties are shown in Table 1 . In these studies tillage plots were split, with winter and spring wheat planted into barley stubble. On average, spring wheat yields following barley were not affected by tillage. A bindweed problem at this site was the likely cause. Results of some recent studies near the headwaters of the Pomme de Terre River in Ottertail County are shown in Table 2.