The Problem Winter wheat established after legumes using conventional tillage systems can leave the soil vulnerable to erosion. Erosion can be reduced with greater residue cover and soil roughness, and improved water infiltration.
Residue cover is usually most effective.
Growers have reduced tillage before planting winter wheat after legumes, but fragile legume residues and low residue production often leave little soil cover overwinter. Surface residue levels going into winter wheat could be increased by carrying over spring cereal residue grown before the legume crop. However, spring cultivations are often indicated for incorporation of many legume herbicides. After fall and spring tillage, little cereal crop residue remains to carry through winter wheat planting. Conventional tillage practices for legume production can also increase soil compaction in wet spring condition, reducing water infiltration and increasing erosion potential.