Preventing Erosion

Since we cleared almost 30 acres of our land, erosion has been a major concern. In the last 3 years, although the fields are not in great condition, they are much better this year with more growth. The areas that we are concentrating on are around the driveway, which are mostly winding and steep areas, prone to soil erosion. This spring I have been planting grass (contractor's mix), granulated lime (for slow release) and then either mulch or straw on top. Straw has been very difficult to find, since the drought last summer caused a short growing season. Cattle operations had to begin feeding hay early fall and this lead to a shortage.

Grass that I planted in the last three is weeks is coming up sparingly. If we can encourage some growth this spring, it will give us something to build on in the fall. At that time I will add fertilizer designed to boost root growth during the winter. This photo is taken close to our house at the flatest spot on the driveway.

Seeding Fields

With a good rain and snow in the forecast, we decided to do a little seeinding in fields that were cleared in the last few months. I put out some annual rye to get the growing started and we'll try to seed again in the fall. That will be determined by the amount of rainfall that we receive next July and August.