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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #125746
Title: USING GRASS HEDGES FOR EROSION CONTROL

Author
item Kramer, Larry
item Alberts, Edward

Submitted to: International Erosion Control Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2002
Publication Date: 3/2/2002
Citation: KRAMER, L.A., ALBERTS, E.E. USING GRASS HEDGES FOR EROSION CONTROL. INTERNATIONAL EROSION CONTROL ASSOCIATION PROCEEDINGS. 2002. ABSTRACT P. 629-632.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Parallel, narrow grass hedges of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, Cave-in- rock), big bluestem (A. gerardi, Roundtree), and eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, Pete) were established on the general contour on a strongly sloping (5 to 16%), cropped field (corn or soybeans) with highly erosive silt loam soils. The site of this study of the effect of narrow grass hedges on soil loss was located in the temperate upper Midwest with annual precipitation of about 800 mm and temperature extremes of -20 C and 35 C most years. Precipitation, runoff, and soil loss were observed from this 6 ha study field from 1975 through 2000. Grass hedges of 1 to 1.5 m width and spaced 15.5 m apart were established beginning in 1991. Average annual runoff during the period with grass hedges was about 50% greater than that during the period before grass hedges. However, average annual soil loss during the period with grass hedges was 47% less than that during the period before grass hedges. A critical area of management is where concentrated runoff flow causes ephemeral rill and gully channel development. A locally growing ornamental grass (miscanthus, Chinese Silvergrass) was transplanted in these sites for extra resistance to hydraulic forces. Effects of tillage, crop shading, herbicides, and residue management on hedge growth and crop production are important management considerations. Narrow grass hedges can reduce soil loss. However, grass hedges are a challenge to establish and maintain, and concentrated flow areas require special efforts to establish and protect the hedges. The topography of this study area is too strongly sloping in some areas to rely entirely on narrow grass hedges to control soil loss.