Field Borders

Field Borders are when a border or strip of perennial vegetation is established at the outside edges of a field where the edges are eroding. The grass or legume strips replace crop end rows, which would be planted up and down hill.  The vegetation provides lanes for farm machinery, prevents erosion, helps filter runoff from the field, and provides habitat for birds and small animals.  By preventing erosion and filtering runoff, field borders also help to improve water quality.

Sediment caused by soil erosion is a major source of pollution to our state's waterways. Equally important, soil lost through erosion is a valuable resource to the agricultural producer. Soil particles that erode from fields—and the contaminants they often carry —threaten water quality. Borders can slow runoff from fields and capture soil, prevent rill and gully erosion, and keep soil from entering streams. Field borders can also be used to comply with required field setback distances applicable to manure and chemical applications.

Special consideration should be given to the interface between fields and streams. These areas are considered riparian areas. It is recommended to retain existing trees, shrubs,and understory vegetation along riparian areas to prevent erosion, trap sediment, and filter runoff. Vegetated riparian areas also provide shade to streams, preventing solar warming of the water. Planting a field border between fields and riparian areas will avoid damage to these sensitive regions.

Technical assistance is available through your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or the Cooperative Extension Service. Often, grant funds or conservation programs are available to assist producers in financing
conservation practices. Contact your local SWCD or NRCS office for more information.

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Photo credit: USDA NRCS Bob Nichols, 2000