%0 Journal Article %A D. J. Lyon %T Sunflower residue weight and ground cover loss during summer fallow %D 1998 %J Journal of Soil and Water Conservation %P 71-73 %V 53 %N 1 %X Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) production in the semiarid central Great Plains has increased since 1990. Sunflower residue production has not been documented for this region. In a three-year study conducted near Sidney, NE, dryland sunflower residue weights and percent ground cover were quantified at harvest, early spring, late spring after the initial stubble-mulch tillage operation, during mid-summer fallow, and after winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Emend. Thell.) seeding. Residue weights at harvest were consistent over the three years and averaged 4,370 kg/ha (3,900 lb/a). Residue weights declined to an average of 570 kg/ha (510 lb/a) after winter wheat seeding. Percent ground cover declined over this same period from 39% to 4%. Sunflower residues, if left standing after harvest, may provide adequate soil protection during the winter and early spring months following harvest. However, residue levels decline rapidly after tillage and very little sunflower residue remains after summer fallowing. %U https://www.jswconline.org/content/jswc/53/1/71.full.pdf