While in the CRP, your land has taken a ten year rest from production. During this time, the soil tilth has improved, organic matter has increased, and erosion has been reduced. Before you leap back into production and risk undoing these benefits, weigh all of your options. Management practices must be applied on the land this year, and you may have up to two years to complete structural practices. Getting ready to plant When seeding into CRP sod, you will want to select a crop that is adaptable and hearty.
Much research shows that fallowing is a wise option in preparation for planting the next wheat crop.
It will take a significant amount of time, with a potential loss of moisture, to incorporate residue and prepare a seedbed, unless no till is considered as part of the plan. No-till may be your best option for controlling erosion and maintaining good soil tilth. However, no-till will require some type of chemical application to kill the existing vegetation. Full applications of non-selective herbicides are not very effective at killing existing vegetation. Spring applications are much more effective.