Extra-tall stubble can increase crop yield in the semiarid canadian prairie

Previous research in the semiarid prairie showed that crop yields increased as the height of standing stubble increased to 30 cm. Recent technology permits seeding into higher standing stubble. A 3-yr (2001-2003) study was conducted at Swift Current, SK, to determine how seeding canola, pulse, and wheat into cultivated, short (about 15 cm high), tall (about 30 cm high), and extra-tall (about 45 cm high) standing stubble affected crop yield. Crop yield and the overall average water use efficiency increased linearly as stubble height increased to 45 cm. Water use was independent of stubble height.