Each year, about 84 million tons of topsoil are eroded from Indiana croplands. Line-transect method using a knotted rope for estimating percent residue cover.
Conservation tillage is one of the most effective means of cropland erosion control.
Uniformly distributed residue shields the entire soil surface from rainfall impact, thus reducing soil particle detachment and eventual erosion. Also, the residue creates small dams which slow the rate of runoff, allowing more time for water to infiltrate into the soil. A slower rate and reduced volume of runoff means less soil removed from the field. Residue can also protect soil from the erosive forces of wind. Standing residue is more effective than flattened residue in reducing wind erosion.