Managing berms and swales to increase the effectiveness of vegetative filter strips around beef cow wintering lots
Marc-Olivier Gasser
Researcher, agr., Ph.D.
418 643-2380
ext 650
Description
A system was set up at the Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon farm to evaluate the purification capacity of different configurations of swales planted with shrubs (willow) or perennial grasses (reed canary grass) to serve as vegetative filter strips. Initial results demonstrated the effectiveness of swales in reducing runoff volumes and simulated upstream loads. The project further analyzed on-farm swales and pursued reflection on how to develop and manage such swales.
Objective(s)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of swales and berms in reducing loads in vegetative filter strips around beef cow wintering lots
- Based on the results, draw up a technical sheet with suggestions on how to build on-farm swales in vegetative filter strips
- Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such swales
From 2015 to 2017
Project duration
Livestock production
Activity areas
Soil health, Water protection
Services
This project will help preserve the quality of waterways during snowmelt.
Partner
Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) - Prime-vert Programme
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