This NebGuide discusses the use of ecofarming to control weeds and manage crop residues. How to Get Started Ecofarming is defined as a system of controlling weeds and managing crop residues throughout a crop rotation with minimum use of tillage so as to reduce soil erosion and production costs while increasing weed control, water infiltration, moisture conservation and crop yields.
Energy requirements are much lower with ecofallow than with normal fallow systems.
The ecofallow period in the 3-year rotation is the period between wheat or other small grain harvest and the planting of corn or sorghum. The fallow period in the 2-year rotation occurs between wheat harvest and the planting of winter wheat 14 months later. The winter wheat-fallow rotation is commonly used in western Nebraska. The fallow period after corn or sorghum is followed by winter wheat. This rotation is generally used in the areas that receive 16 to 20 inches of precipitation.