Discussing Runoff Control

Identified as one the highest runoff risk fields in the Bridge Creek watershed, RRFSP walkover technician Ron Meiners and landowner Cynthie Christensen discuss the various runoff control practices she installed on a 75-acre field that drains directly to Bridge Creek. The highly erodible field was enrolled into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for ten years and planted to native prairie grasses and forbs. In addition to enrolling in CRP, Cynthie installed four water and sediment control basins (basin pictured in the background) and several grassed waterways to further reduce runoff. When the field completes its 10-year contract, it will be ready for row cropping again with less soil and nutrient loss to Bridge Creek. Image courtesy of Kevin Kuehner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture.