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Chapter 8.2

more info

To get more information about farming on the contour, consult the following online document:

USDA-NRCS. 2000. Contour farming. National Conservation Practice Standard #330. Electronic Field Office

Technical Guide. United Stated Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service. ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov. usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/330.pdf

The effectiveness of farming on the contour on its own diminishes as slope length increases and the amount of residue or ground cover present decreases.

s i d e b a r

Source: Hirschi et al., 1997

Figure 8.2.1 Slope Disruption Resulting from Farming on the Contour

Source: Hirschi et al., 1997

Figure 8.2.2 Example of Farming on the Contour

Runoff flow not significantly impeded but potentially facilitated by field operations up and down the slope

Soil

Runoff flow interrupted by inconsistency in slope from operations on the

slope contour SoilSoil

Runoff flow Runoff flow