Last Updated:  6 June 2008

Row Crop Converted to pasture land– Bahia grass drilled.

Cross fencing for rotational grazing cuts down on runoff from fields reducing waste in the streams

Two of the BMPs that the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership has been involved with installing has been pasture/hayland planting and cross fencing.  The Partnership has helped landowners converted row crop land into pasture/hayland.  Row crop land is some of the most highly eroded land due to the ground disturbing activities and lack of cover.  By converting row crop land into pasture/hayland the amount of erosion is greatly reduced.  When a landowner has row crop land that is next to a creek or tributary it is good to consider converting it to pasture/hayland if they are able. 

Along with the conversion of row crop land to pasture/hayland or on existing pastures the use of cross fencing is another excellent conservation method.  Cross fencing allows for controlled grazing of your pasture land.  While using controlled grazing the grass cover on the pasture is not allowed to be depleted below a certain height by livestock.  By keeping sufficient cover on the pasture erosion is reduced due to the reduced amount of runoff and soil disturbance. 

Pictured below are some of the pasture/hayland planting and cross fencing projects that the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership has been involved with.    

Row Crop Land Converted to Pasture/Hayland and Cross Fencing