Narrow grass hedge effects on runoff and soil loss

This rainfall simulation study provided information on the effects of 0.72 m (2.4 ft) wide switchgrass hedger located at the bottom of plots on runoff and sail loss under both no-till and tilted conditions. The study area, wh ich had slopes ranging from 8 to 16%, had produced corn for 33 years and th e grass hedges had been established for six years. Simulated rainfall [64 m m hr(-1) (2.5 in 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 r esidue was removed. The narrow grass hedges substantially reduced runoff an d soil loss. Under no-till conditions, the plots with corn residue and gras s hedges averaged 52% less runoff and 53 % less soil loss than similar plot s without grass hedges. Under tilled conditions, the plots with corn residu e and grass hedges averaged 22% less runoff and 57% less soil loss than com parable plots without grass hedges. The plots with corn residue removed bri t with grass hedges present averaged 41% less runoff and 63% less sail loss than similar plots without grass hedges. Narrow grass hedges are an effect ive conservation measure, especially when used in conjunction with such con servation practices as no-till or reduced-till farming systems.