What Is Residue Managed Potato Production?

In a system of residue managed potato production, farmers perform conservation tillage that will result in considerable residue from the previous crop being left on the soil surface, after the potato crop has been planted. Residue level is typically expressed in % surface cover and is measured after potato planting but prior to the first cultivation. The final residue level is dependent upon a number of factors including the original amount of residue available, the tillage implements used, the number of tillage passes as well as the depth and speed at which tillage was performed. By following recommended conservation tillage practices, producers can easily obtain 30% surface residue cover after potato planting. Conventional tillage, which includes Fall moldboard plowing along with Spring discing and harrowing, will result in less than 3% of the soil surface being covered with residue from the previous crop, even with good crop rotations. Crop residue, lying on the soil surface, will ...  more