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Contour Buffer Strip
Strips of grass or legumes in a contoured field, which help trap sediment and
nutrients. Similar to stripcropping, but with narrower grass or legume strips.
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How it works
A series of grass strips are placed across the slope on a 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.
How it helps
 Vegetation provides cover and habitat for small birds and animals.
The strips reduce erosion by slowing water flow and increasing water
infiltration.
By reducing siltation and filtering nutrients and chemicals from runoff,
grass strips improve water quality.
Planning ahead
Have you decided whether you want parallel crop strips or parallel
buffer strips?
Are other conservation measures such as crop residue management
installed or planned to help reduce siltation of grass strips?
Will planned acres in row crops meet your production objectives?
Tech notes
Buffer strips must be at least 15 feet wide. *
Either crop strips or grass strips may be parallel. Parallel crop strips
are easier to farm with no point rows, but that results in less of the
slope in row crops.
Grass buffer strips commonly make up 20% to 30% of the slope. *
Maintenance
Control weeds and brush in grass filter strips.
Delay mowing until July 15 to help ground-nesting birds. *
Keep vegetation tall in spring and early summer to help slow runoff flow.
Fertilize as needed.
The buffer strip may be moved up or down the slope to help
re-
establish vegetation or for other maintenance needs.
* Check local conditions.
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