Soil Conservation
In an effort to conserve soil at the METROGRO Farm, the Metro District works with the tenant farmer, local conservation districts, and agronomy professors from a local university to institute measures that minimize soil erosion. These measures include but are not limited to: strip farming, grass terraces, farmable terraces, water diversion structures, returning various fields to drought tolerant native grasses, and using "no-till" farming methods.
Strip Farming
Alternating strips of cultivated and fallow areas perpendicular to the prevailing winds in order to reduce wind erosion.
Grass Terraces
Minimize impact of surface runoff on vegetation and soils.
Farmable Terraces
Minimize impacts of surface runoff on vegetation and soils while allowing the farmer to seamlessly prepare, plant and harvest the field.
Diversion Structures, Check Dams, and Culverts
A variety of sizes and shapes strategically placed throughout the farm property and dictated by topography to control runoff.
Re-vegetation
Cultivated land is reclaimed, conditioned and seeded with native grasses to reduce wind and soil erosion.
Crop Diversification
A variety of crops is planted on the farm property using a fallow rotation and spring crops when moisture is adequate:
Wheat
Barley
Sorghum/Sudan grass
Millet
Sunflowers
Corn
Milo
Chemical Weed Control
Modified chem-fallow is used to reduce soil disturbance during field preparations that can cause erosion.
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