Sustainability and economic issues for cereal crop residue export

Abstract

Soil conservation and sustainability concerns, and a lack of markets for crop residues, have left producers with few alternatives for cereal residue export beyond cattle feed or livestock bedding. With the increasing producer use of minimum and zero-tillage systems, the management of crop residues has become an important issue. Opportunities for residue removal may exist provided markets are developed for the material and long-term soil sustainability concerns are addressed.Recent research on the effect of residue removal in Saskatchewan has shown that there is little or no impact on soil organic matter provided adequate fertilization is practised and tillage is reduced. Assuming that 750 kg ha −1 of retained residue is adequate for erosion protection in reduced tillage systems, significant quantities of residues may be available for export from the Black Soil zone. The economic returns to producers are such that residue export is an attractive diversification option. Key words: Crop residues, economics, residue export, soil erosion, soil nutrients, soil carbon