Mills
204 West 5th,
Phone: 712-624-8606 Fax: 712-624-8587
Contour Buffer Strips
Contour buffer strips are
strips of perennial vegetation alternated with wider strips of cropland
that are farmed on the contour. The
alternating strips of grass or other permanent vegetation slow runoff flow,
trap sediment from the crop strips above, and increase water
infiltration. Because the buffer
strip is established on the contour, runoff flows evenly across the entire
surface of the grass strip, reducing sheet and rill erosion. By reducing siltation and filtering
nutrients and chemicals from runoff, grass strips improve water
quality. Conservation plans calling
for field borders can be integrated into this practice. Widths will vary from field to field.
If you have questions call, stop by the office, or EMAIL.