The Influence of Implement Type, Tillage Depth,

The ability of tillage implements to maintain surface residue coverage is largely dependent on the implement’s main active component. Two categories of tillage implements were compared to determine their ability to maintain grain sorghum (non–fragile) surface residue coverage when operating at two different tillage depths for fall and spring tillage. Chisel–type implements were found to bury substantially less crop residue than disk–type implements. Disk–type implements were found to bury increased amounts of crop residue when operating at deeper tillage depths. Fall and spring tillage were also found to leave equivalent amounts of percent residue cover and total mass of crop residue remaining on the soil surface. A more thorough understanding of the ability of tillage implements to maintain adequate amounts of surface residue coverage should enable producers to select appropriate implements to maximize production while minimizing erosion.