09/02/2026
Residue is one of your soil’s best defenses.
Crop residue is more than leftover plant material after harvest. It acts as a protective layer that shields Alberta soils from wind and water erosion, reduces surface crusting, and helps maintain soil structure. Residue also slows runoff, allowing more water to soak into the soil where crops can use it.
Managing residue effectively is one of the simplest ways to protect soil productivity and build resilience for future growing seasons.
https://www.albertagrains.com/files/2022/09/straw_management_in_western_canada_wheat_and_barley_cropping_systems.pdf