High yields of grain, over a period of years, can produce too much residue for efficient management. The build-up easily can become greater than is needed to control erosion and to trap snow. Approximately 1,500 pounds of straw per acre provides good control of erosion, traps snow to hold winter moisture and allows seeding with minimum problems. Some grains produce more straw than others, so growing varieties that produce less straw provide one way to control residue levels. This is about twice the amount needed for good management, and can create fertilizing, weed control, and planting problems.
Excessive debris delays the warming up and drying of the soil surface in the spring.
This can delay field work and reduce germination, thus causing poor crop stands. In addition, the excessive plant residues provide an excellent environment for rodents, insects and diseases. They also make effective weed control more difficult. Residue burning, whether annually or in years when levels become excessive, is not a cure-all for disease, weed or insect problems. There is no scientific evidence that burning can eliminate crop diseases.