Residue or growing vegetation on the soil surface reduces wind velocity at the ground surface. As the quantity of residue on the surface increases, the wind velocity decreases. Pound for pound, residues with a stem of a smaller diameter result in more surface area of residue and therefore produce more friction. The greater the friction, the greater the reduction in wind velocity. Standing residues reduce wind velocity more than those lying flat.
Stalks are small in diameter or have a large surface area per unit of weight.
The residue is left standing or nearly so. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.