Establishing an even distribution of crop residue while harvesting is critical in stopping soil erosion this coming fall, winter, and spring, and well into 2003, until next year's crop establishes a canopy. Any residue (straw, chaff, and even fine material) can reduce erosion by stopping rain-splash erosion, slowing and trapping runoff, and allowing for better water infiltration. But it has to be in place to do it.