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Residue Incorporation (Corn)

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2011-06-14 19:10   Updated: 2019-06-13 16:58

Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies

Reviewers: Deborah Niggli, Alexandra Gavilano

Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
  • Country: Philippines
  • Region/ State/ Province: Bukidnon
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Bukidnon
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

Incorporation of corn stalks during land preparation for the succeeding crop.

Detailed description of the Technology

The technology is practiced in corn farm. It involves the incorporation of stalks and leaves, usually chopped, during the land preparation for the suceeding crop. Corn ears are harvested manually. After harvesting, the stalks are cut and spread on the farm. This provides surface protection to the soil during the turn-around period when erosive rainfall events can occur. After a 2-3 weeks turn-around period, land preparation for the succeeding crop starts. Land preparation can either be by machine or animal. The crop residues are incorporated during plowing which is done twice. The technology is intended to increase organic matter and other nutrients through recycling, improve soil structure and porosity and increase soil water holding capacity. The more common practice done in the past in disposing crop residue is by burning. Residue incorporation has added benefits in that it lessens the emission of gases, particularly carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming.

Photos of the Technology

Image Corn stalks are left in the field to serve as mulch during turn-around period.
Corn stalks are left in the field to serve as mulch during turn-around period.
  • 📍 Malaybalay, Bukidnon
  • 📷 A. Salaum and R. Gallano
Image A newly harvested corn field which has undergone first plowing operation. Corn stalks are being incorporated into the soil for nutrient recycling. Note that stalks are only "burried" during the first plowing
A newly harvested corn field which has undergone first plowing operation. Corn stalks are being incorporated into the soil for nutrient recycling. Note that stalks are only "burried" during the first plowing
  • 📍 Malaybalay, Bukidnon
  • 📷 A. Salaum and R. Gallano
Image Corn stalks are completely incorporated during the second plowing. Most farmers still use animal-drawn implement for land preparation.
Corn stalks are completely incorporated during the second plowing. Most farmers still use animal-drawn implement for land preparation.
  • 📍 Malaybalay, Bukidnon
  • 📷 A. Salaum and R. Gallano
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