Herbicide-soil interactions in reduced tillage and plant residue management systems

Recent changes in technology, governmental regulation and scrutiny, and public opinion have motivated the agricultural community to examine current management practices from the perspective of how they fit into a sustainable agricultural frame-work. One aspect which can be incorporated into many existing farming systems is plant residue management (e.g., reduced tillage, cover crops). Many residue management systems are designed to enhance accumulation of plant residue at the soil surface. The plant residue covering the soil surface provides many benefits, including protection from soil erosion, soil moisture conservation by acting as a barrier against evaporation, improved soil tilth, and inhibition of weed emergence. This review summarizes recent literature (ca. last 25 yr) concerning the effects of plant residue management on the soil environment and how those changes impact herbicide interactions.