From what I have seen, residue which has been left on the surface is basically consumed by earthworms, etc and redistributed through the soil profile.You can see bits if residue actually sticking into holes in the ground. What is amazing is the speed at which this can occur after a few years of continuous corn in a moderate climate area I think soil temperatures reach a certain point and they go to work along with other microrganisms. The fertility in that residue gets turned into a form more useful to the soil and next growing crop. This is a very different process than what happens to residue which is incorporated.
Jim at Dawn
Edited by Jim 5/24/2009 22:31
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Where does all the corn residue go? (pics)
