If water for wildlife or livestock is a limiting factor on the farm, water holes should be constructed on other, more suitable sites. Return to Top Erosive Areas Certain field areas will erode more than others, depending on the soil type, steepness of slope and land use. Erosion-prone land can be seeded to various plants that will benefit wildlife and help save the soil. Select a good seed mixture appropriate to the soil type and location. See Chapter 10 for seeding mixtures.
Wildlife prefer a legume and grass mixture to a single seeding of fescue.
Lightly disk or rake the area to expose some bare soil for a seed bed. Broadcast the seed mixture, and then spread three bales of wheat-straw mulch for each 1,000 square feet of area. A cutting of hay may be possible after a few years. Cut hay only once a year, leaving about 6 inches of stubble. Cut hay in alternating strips every other year to keep the plants growing vigorously.