How it helps Grass, trees and shrubs provide cover for small birds and animals. Ground cover reduces soil erosion. The vegetative strip moves rowcrop operations farther from a stream. Vegetation prevents contaminants from entering water bodies, protecting water quality. Filter strips for cropland must be at least 15 feet wide.
Steeper slopes require wider strips.
A minimum 50 foot width is required for filter strips on forest land. Do not use a filter strip as a roadway. Filter strips will be less effective under snow or during frozen conditions. Avoid drift when applying herbicides on surrounding cropland. Controlled grazing may be allowed if filter strips are dry and firm.