Effect of crop residue management in temperate agroecosystems. Soil physical properties and crop production. A review.

Introduction Crop residues represent a valuable quantity of organic matter that can be valorized either to restore soil fertility or for external uses. In order to manage agricultural land sustainably, there is a need to better understand the impact of crop residue management on the soil-water-plant system. In this paper we focus on soil physical aspects, specifically on the link between soil structure and hydraulic properties, and its impact on crop production. Literature Conservation practices, including crop residue retention and non-conventional tillage, can enhance soil health by improving aggregate stability and soil structural quality. Hence water infiltration may be facilitated, resulting in a decrease of water runoff and an increase in plant water availability. However, conservation practices do not systematically lead to higher water availability for the plant. The influence of crop residue management on crop production is still unclear; while, in some cases, crop production is enhanced by residue retention, crop residues can also cut down crop yield. Conclusion In this review we point out the diverse and contrasted impacts of crop residue management on soil physical properties and crop production. The review highlights the importance of environmental factors such as soil type and local climatic conditions, stressing the interest in performing studies in a specific context.