The Effects of Crop Cover and Residue Management on Runoff and Soil Loss

Abstract

The amount of plant cover needed to protect a soil depends on the soil characteristics and the intensity of erosive forces at that time and place. Loose soil on steep slopes needs permanent vegetation to intercept raindrops and to limit the amount and velocity of runoff. Other factors being constant, rainfall erosion from vegetated soil is determined by crop types, planting density, canopy characteristics, growth habits and quality of stand, and the achieved growth stage development by the time rainfall arrives.