1998 Annual Report for FNC98-246
Prairie Wetlands
Summary
Perennial grasses can provide an excellent alternative to row crops on some lowland soils.
Objective: To convert 15 acres of hydric clay soils to prairie wetlands for enhanced land utilization and wildlife habitat.
The producer intended to prepare the seedbed in the spring, drill five acres to Big Bluestem and five acres to switchgrass, plant five acres to Eastern Gamma Grass in 38-inch rows, and inter-seed corn in 38-inch rows offset 19 inches from the gamma grass. The producer also wished to establish a stand of Prairie Cordgrass in a narrow strip bordering a road ditch. Wet soil conditions in the spring of 1999 prevented the planting of the perennial grasses in a timely manner. Consequently, the 15 acres were planted to soybeans and seeded to grasses after soybean harvest.
Results: Data on rainfall, standing water and establishment of grasses will be collected in 2000. The project was extended to allow additional time for the perennial grasses to become established and to collect the necessary data.