By Scout Nelson
Mower County, Minnesota, a subtle yet impactful change is taking root. Across the corn and soybean fields, small strips of prairie are strategically integrated to address the delicate balance between financial goals and conservation efforts. This innovative approach, known as prairie strips, is gaining traction for its ability to deliver significant benefits with a relatively small investment.
Prairie strips, ranging from 30 to 120 feet wide, act as a natural sponge, slowing down runoff caused by rain and melting snow. The deep roots and sturdy stems of prairie plants play a crucial role in reducing nutrient, sediment, and pesticide loss. Additionally, these strips provide habitat for insects and wildlife, contributing to enhanced biodiversity. The positive impact extends to soil health and water quality.
Landowners strategically place prairie strips in high-risk, erosion-prone areas, such as headlands and field fence lines, which often act as conduits for soil, nutrients, and pesticides to leave the fields. Particularly effective during the high-risk months of April, May, and June, prairie strips also prove valuable in areas with dense tree cover, where competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients is fierce between trees and traditional crops.
The process involves enrolling in conservation programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to obtain cost-sharing for planting prairie strips and qualify for yearly rental payments. Native grasses and forbs are chosen to reduce soil and nutrient loss, enhance water infiltration, improve soil quality, and provide a haven for pollinators. Practical implementation includes planting seeds with a native seed drill and periodic mowing to control weeds and promote native plant growth.
The immediate effects of prairie strips are evident, with water-quality improvements observed soon after installation. Sediment, a common runoff pollutant, is effectively trapped within the strips, showcasing their effectiveness in erosion control. The aesthetic appeal of these strips, adorned with native flowers and vegetation, adds a layer of beauty to the agricultural landscape.
The success of prairie strips is spreading among landowners in Mower County. Field days and local conservation agencies have played a pivotal role in showcasing the benefits, inspiring others to adopt this conservation practice. In a recent development, several farmers in northeast Mower County enrolled significant acreage for native prairie strip conversion, bringing the total prairie strip acres in the county to over 100 acres in 2024.
Financial incentives, including CRP payments based on soil type and additional annual incentives from both federal and state funds, make prairie strips an economically viable and flexible conservation option. These incentives support landowners in covering costs related to site preparation, seed purchase, and strip establishment.
Research from Iowa State University's STRIPS team reinforces the effectiveness of prairie strips. Even a modest conversion of 10 percent of a row-cropped field to perennial prairie can yield substantial environmental benefits, reducing sediment movement by 95 percent, total phosphorus loss by 90 percent, and total nitrogen loss by nearly 85 percent.
Prairie strips emerge as a harmonious blend of conservation and production, challenging the notion of an either/or choice. By targeting areas with high conservation value and low economic return, landowners can achieve significant environmental benefits while optimizing the use of their land.
As weather patterns motivate change, prairie strips stand out as a cost-effective and impactful erosion control practice, demonstrating that small changes can indeed lead to a big impact on both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
Photo Credit: university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Crops