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Vegetative Barrier

Vegetative Barrier Conservation Practice Job Sheet (601)

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   JS-601: Vegetative Barrier  (PDF, 306 KB)

Definition

Vegetative barriers are permanent strips of stiff, dense vegetation along the general contour of slopes or across concentrated flow areas.

Purposes

Vegetative barriers are used to reduce sheet and rill erosion, reduce ephemeral gully erosion, manage water flow, stabilize steep slopes, and trap sediment.

Where used

This practice applies to all eroding areas, including cropland, grazing land, forest land, farmsteads, mined land, and construction sites. Other site considerations include the need for a suitable outlet below the barrier and the capacity to readily establish adapted perennial vegetation. Vegetative barriers are most effective on slopes of less than 10 percent.

Resource Management System

Vegetative barriers are normally established as part of a conservation management system to address natural resource conservation needs and landowner objectives. For this practice to be fully effective, it should be installed with other components of a resource management system that reduces sheet and rill erosion, such as conservation crop rotation, residue management, and contour farming.

Wildlife

Vegetative barriers provide excellent opportunities to improve wildlife habitat for some species by creating travel lanes that connect important habitat areas or by providing in-field escape cover. Wildlife benefits are enhanced by using native species or other adapted species that provide wildlife food and cover. The conservation practice standard for Upland Wildlife Habitat Management in the Field Office Technical Guide can provide guidance for choosing species that meet wildlife objectives.

Operations and maintenance

Vegetative barriers must be inspected periodically to assure no voids develop in the protective strips of vegetation. Shape and replant washouts and rills as necessary to maintain plant density. Control spreading of barrier species into cropped areas. Control weeds in barrier strips so they do not become a seed source for adjacent cropland. Although vegetative barriers would usually receive adequate nutrients from fertilizer applied to adjacent cropland, they may need supplemental fertilizer to maintain adequate plant vigor. Control grazing and equipment traffic as necessary to protect barriers.

Specifications

Site-specific requirements are listed on the specifications sheet. Additional provisions are entered on the job sketch sheet. Specifications are prepared in accordance with the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide and the Vegetative Barrier practice standard (601).

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