A nutrient must be in soil solution to be taken out by a plant. Greater residue and good weed control will contribute to a successful ecofallow system. Fallow tillage operations and herbicide treatments must be timely. Often, tillage operations are neglected until weeds are 6 to 12 inches or taller. Multiple tillage operations then are needed to kill them, and crop residues will be destroyed.
Weeds remove soil moisture and make it impossible to prepare a good seedbed.
Effective fallowing will mean higher winter wheat yields and fewer weeds in the winter wheat stubble to be controlled before the corn or sorghum crop is planted. The success of ecofallow corn and sorghum depends on good winter wheat stands. Tillage, Use tillage that maintains residue, if needed, for volunteer crops and weed control. A light discing may be needed to chop corn or sorghum stalks. Final tillage with a rodweed to firm the soil for planting.