Slot mulch for runoff and erosion control

Abstract

A slot mulch method of tillage and residue management is being developed to control runoff and erosion on land where infiltration is restricted due to frost or soil characteristics. Soil slots, installed approximately on the contour, are filled with crop residues to prevent freezing, surface sealing, and lateral flow. Field trials, infiltration tests, and theoretical analyses all show the method has potential for increasing infiltration and reducing erosion.