The stems, leaves, stalks, and other organic matter left on the soil surface after a crop has been harvested. Depending on the farming system, this material is either plowed back into the soil to build organic matter, left on the surface to prevent erosion, or baled and removed.
Heard on the job
The planter is struggling to cut through all the corn trash left over from last season.
Insider tip
In no-till farming, managing trash is critical; specialized planter attachments like row cleaners are used to sweep it aside so seeds get good soil contact.
Also heard as
- residue
- stubble