The relationship between water quality and soil erosion cannot be overemphasized. Soil erosion and residue management, especially surface water runoff, influence water quality. A 1999 tillage survey sponsored by the Iowa Resource Management Partnership committee indicated the need for improvement in adopting conservation practices.
Residue management is a critical component in controlling soil erosion.
Conservation tillage, residue management, and cultural management play a significant role in increasing the efficiency of nutrient management practices and erosion control. To ensure reliable and profitable yield, producers apply herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, amendments, or manure. Most of these materials attach to soil particles, where they function as intended. However, some of these contaminates are likely to be transported with soil particles and sediment when soil erodes, thereby affecting water quality. Therefore, controlling erosion is the crucial link in any plan to improve water quality.