Field borders are sometimes referred to as picture frames of grass, and are used with contour farming, terrace, buffer strip and contour stripcropping systems. The grass or legume in the strip protects steep field edges from soil erosion, and provides turning and travel lanes around the field. How it helps Vegetative cover reduces sheet and rill erosion by slowing water flow. Vegetation filters runoff to improve water quality. Grass and legume strips may be harvested in some cases and are easier to turn on than end rows.
Vegetation provides cover and habitat for small birds and animals.
Tech notes Borders must be at least 16 feet wide, or wide enough for your equipment. Borders need to be seeded or left in place when a meadow field is plowed. Seed with perennial grasses, legumes or a mixture of the two. Seed cool season grasses between March 1 and May 15 or during late summer seeding period, August 1 to September 15. Plant warm season grasses between April 1 and June 1.