Tillage And Planting System, Stalk Chopper, And Knife Applicator Influences On Corn Residue Cover

Percent corn (Zea mays L.) residue cover remaining on the soil surface after planting was measured for 11 tillage and planting systems that included combinations of the use, and timing, of a stalk chopper and/or a knife-type fertilizer applicator. Tillage, as well as use of a stalk chopper or knife applicator, significantly reduced residue cover. Only 27 of the 69 stalk chopper/knife applicator/tillage and planting system treatment combinations that were evaluated could be classified as conservation tillage by having at least 30% residue cover remaining after planting