Professor Len Wade discusses the benefits and challenges of stubble retention in cropping systems in South-East Australia. He finds that stubble retention can improve soil moisture storage and potentially increase soil organic carbon in the long-term. However, yield benefits of stubble retention compared to stubble burning are mixed and depend on growing season rainfall. In wet years, stubble retention may decrease yields due to issues like disease, slugs, and soil compaction. Strategic tillage or burning may still be necessary to manage these challenges.