The Residue Saver is a trailing implement with a category II 3-pt hitch built into the rear of the frame
for connection to tillage implements. A PTO-driven flail chopper is suspended near the middle of the frame.
The chopper chops cover crops and crop residues and blows them over the tillage implement, so that the residue
lands on freshly tilled ground. A set of ground-driven spoked wheels mounted ahead of the flail chopper lifts residue
into the flail. The implement is raised and lowered for transport and connection with tillage implements by means of hydraulic
cylinders attached to two pairs of wheels. The cutting height of the flail is independently adjusted with another cylinder.
A gear box and drive line are being installed to provide a PTO at the rear of the implement. This will allow use of a rotary tiller
or spading machine with the implement.
Use of the Residue Saver allows retention of surface crop residue for erosion control and suppression of
annual weeds while allowing tillage to destroy perennial weeds, facilitate planting, and loosen the soil for improved root growth.
Use of the Residue Saver is expected to reduce erosion potential relative to conventional plow tillage and most minimum tillage methods,
and to reduce herbicide use relative to no-till and some minimum tillage systems. Widespread adoption of the technology could
therefore conserve soil, reduce water pollution, and reduce human and wildlife exposure to toxins. It will allow increased use of
crop residue for weed suppression, and provide organic producers with a means of retaining surface residue while still tilling the soil.
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