Residue Decay Evaluation and Prediction

ABSTRACT RESIDUE decay prediction is essential for designing effective crop residue management systems. The decomposition of soybean, corn, sunflower and wheat residues was studied under field conditions. After 10 months exposure, residue mass losses were 74, 71, 61, and 36% for soybean, corn, sunflower and wheat residues, respectively. Temperature, moisture, and the initial carbon/nitrogen ratio of the residue were important factors that affected decomposition. The experimental data were also used to check and verify a theoretically derived residue decay model.