Stripper Header Microclimate Alteration.

Tilled fallow is predominant in the low-rainfall (<30 cm) wheat-fallow zone of Eastern Washington. No-till research plots in the low-rainfall zone were first established at The Ralston Project in 1994, and are currently in a high-residue phase of research. By pairing a stripper header with winter triticale and tall winter wheat, a system for producing and maintaining abundant postharvest standing stubble has been created. No-till management allows the stubble to remain standing during the fallow period. The standing stubble has been shown to reduce wind speeds at the soil surface, moderate temperatures, and influence seed zone water content. Both winter cereals and winter canola have been planted into high-residue no-till fallow with success in crop establishment.