This question generally is concerned with being able to plant corn into heavy residue from the previous corn crop. Residue management begins at harvest. Combines can be equipped with shredders/spreaders to distribute corn residue evenly across the harvested field. Where crop conditions permit, leaving higher stubble reduces residue lying on the field surface. Stalk chopping in the fall is a common practice prior to fall tillage. Modern planting equipment and row cleaners help move residue away from the seed furrow. Tillage can also help with residue management. Conventional tillage will bury some of the residue and increase its breakdown. Strip tillage is a medium between conventional tillage and no-tillage where a small strip is tilled and the remainder of the field is left to no-till conditions.

For more information on this or other topics related to corn production, contact your state extension corn specialist or your local extension educator/agent.

The following is the link to the corn extension specialists: state extension corn specialistLink title