In Nebraska, this system is known as ecofallow. Weed growth robs valuable moisture that could be used by the next year's crop. Standing stubble provides an excellent snow trap during the winter.
Snow melt can provide moisture for the next year's crop.
Stubble on the soil surface can insulate soil to reduce evaporation of moisture that accumulates in the profile. It also protects the soil from wind and water erosion. Wind velocity at the surface is reduced by wheat stubble, and stubble absorbs the impact of the raindrops and slows runoff, which reduces erosion and increases infiltration. Weed Control Ecofarming and ecofallow are systems of no-till or reduced tillage. Ecofarming is defined as a system of controlling weeds and managing crop residues throughout a crop rotation with minimum use of tillage so as to reduce soil erosion and production costs while increasing weed control, water infiltration, moisture conservation, and crop yield.