Narrow Grass Hedge Effects on Runoff and Soil Loss

Authors

• John E. Gilley, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• B. Eghball, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• L. A. Kramer, United States Department of Agriculture
• T. B. Moorman, United States Department of Agriculture

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2000

Comments

Published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 55(2) (Second Quarter 2000): 190-196.

Abstract

This rainfall simulation study provided information on the effects of 0.72 m (2.4 ft) wide switchgrass hedges located at the bottom of plots on runoff an soil loss under both no-till and tilled conditions. The study area, which had slopes ranging from 8 to 16%, had produced corn for 33 years and the grass hedges had been established for 6 years. Simulated rainfall [64 mm hr^-1)] was applied for two hours to plots [3.7 m (12 ft) wide by 10.7 m (35.1 ft) long] with corn residue and to plots where corn residue was removed. The narrow grass hedges substantially reduced runoff and soil loss. Under no-till conditions, the plots with corn residue and grass hedges averaged 52% less runoff and 53% less soil loss than similar plots without grass hedges. Under tilled conditions, the plots with corn residue and grass hedges averages 22% less runoff and 57% less soil loss than comparable plots without grass hedges. The plots with corn residue removed but with grass hedges present averaged 41% less runoff and 63% less soil loss than similar plots without grass hedges. Narrow grass hedges are an effective conservation measure, especially when used in conjunction with such conservation practices as no-till or reduced-till farming systems.