2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Miscanthus Vegetative Barriers for Soil Conservation: Case Study in a Michigan Corn and Soybean Production System.
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684-9 Miscanthus Vegetative Barriers for Soil Conservation: Case Study in a Michigan Corn and Soybean Production System.



Tuesday, 7 October 2008
George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
J.C. Durling1, J.W. Leif III1, D.W. Burgdorf1, S.A. Perez1, J.J. Grigar Jr.2, V.S. Anderson2, J.M. Foldesi3 and J.A. Bronson4, (1)USDA-NRCS, Rose Lake Plant Materials Ctr, 7472 Stoll Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
(2)USDA-NRCS, 3001 Coolidge Rd. Ste. 250, East Lansing, MI 48823-6351
(3)USDA-NRCS, 103 Maple St., Parchment, MI 49004
(4)Michigan State University Kellogg Biological Station, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Grassed waterways (NRCS 412 Standard) are a recommended conservation practice for healing ephemeral gully erosion.  Waterways convey concentrated-flow water, reduce gully erosion, prevent flooding, and limit sediment and/or nutrient loss to surface water.  However, recent increases in commodity prices effectively discourage farmers from using grassed waterways.  Vegetative barriers, a less land-area extensive conservation practice, could be used.  A designed narrow vegetative barrier (NRCS 601 Standard) of Miscanthus sinensis was evaluated for its effectiveness as an alternative to a grassed waterway.  Five years of upslope soil deposition data from three vegetated Miscanthus barriers installed across a concentrated flow within a small watershed is presented.  Technology used for establishing the Miscanthus vegetative barriers is also presented.
See more of: Buffer Strips and Cover Crops (Posters)
See more of: S06 Soil & Water Management & Conservation