When It Comes To Straw, Should It Stay Or Should It Go?

University of Idaho Extension and USDA recently conducted a study looking at what advantages may exist when it comes to leaving straw in the field following grain harvest.  Pat Hatzenbuehler, UI Extension specialist, said straw has a variety of markets, from compost, to bedding, as well as mushroom production.  But he noted their study indicated leaving straw after harvest has a variety of advantages, from erosion protection, soil moisture improvements, but also the nutrients.

“The straw has quite a bit of potassium, and a bit of nitrogen, but not so much phosphorus.  So, it really does depend on the type of field and the history and things like crop rotation.”

Hatzenbuehler also acknowledged that is only half of the question; the other half is the need for a cash infusion by selling the straw when a buyer becomes available.  He said there is no one right answer, it’s really a question of long-term vs. short-term plans.

“But if the if a farm doesn't really need the cash at the time, then it may be worth considering keeping the straw on the field and then recycling it into the soil and having those nutrients stay in there.  So, it's really depends on field type and form strategy.” 

Hatzenbuehler estimated the value of nutrients in straw left as residue on fields at $77 per acre for wheat, and $60 per acre for barley.  Click Here to read the entire study conducted by UI Extension and USDA.

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