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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Northwest Sustainable Agroecosystems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #85748
Title: EFFECT OF A GRASS BUFFER STRIP IN CONTROLLING RUNOFF AND SOIL LOSS FROM A BARE-ROOT TREE HARVEST AREA

Author
item McCool, Donald
item GOHLKE, T - USDA-NRCS

Submitted to: Report to Applied Horticulture Consulting
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Trees for ornamental use are grown in rows and harvested as bare-root stock in the winter months in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Because of the wet winter conditions, it is very difficult to reestablish cover after harvest. Yet, downstream water quality must be protected. Grass buffer strips at the lower boundary of the harvested fields were studied as a technique to control sediment leaving the harvested areas. The buffer strips controlled from 80 to 98 percent of the sediment produced. The grass buffer strips will be a major component in any management system for controlling sediment production from tree harvest areas.

Technical Abstract: Trees for ornamental use are commonly harvested as bare-rooted stock in winter months in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Because of the winter conditions, it is not possible to reestablish cover after harvest. Grass buffer strips were studied as a technique to control sediment leaving the harvest areas. The study included plots with and without a newly established grass buffer strip. The buffer strips became more effective as the grass became better established. The buffer strips will be a basic tool in a management system for controlling sediment production from tree harvest areas.