We have had extensive discussions on the topic of residue breakdown recently. The consensus seems to be that tough stalks break down better when they are on the ground in contact with the soil rather than standing in the air. If you can just get them down it helps.

This runs counter to my engineering/trash flow desire to have them standing but I have to bow to Greywolf's and other northern folks experience in multiyear corn residue buildup.

Some folks are running stalk stompers on every row or hanging a bar under the corn head, etc.  These methods leave the stalk still attached to the ground so it doesn't blow.

Some folks roll them or run a tire/chain drag at high speed on a cold day in January...etc. I think it helps if you get them down before complete freeze-up.

Jim at Dawn