These results were used to improve equations for predicting residue decomposition. About three-quarters of the conservation plans include residue management as part of the plan. Erosion rates are sensitive to the amounts of residue left on the surface, and accurate prediction is critical. The estimates consider over-winter residue decomposition loss and residue burial by tillage and other management operations. Demonstrated the effects of chisel plow configuration and coulter gang engagement on surface residue retention.
Organic amendments impacts on near-surface shear strength .
Although total organic matter is a frequently measured soil property in soil erosion research, the individual contribution of organic compounds is rarely studied. Of the organic fractions in the soil, the polysaccharide fraction may be most responsive to management and cropping practices. We showed that the decomposition of soil polysaccharide analogs significantly altered detachment by single raindrops during time, but did not alter the near-surface soil shear strength. In the past, shear strength was widely used as an indicator of soil erodibility and compaction. We demonstrated that the relative effectiveness of various PAM formulations changed for different soils.