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30 Land and Farm Management www.FarmProgress.com ◆ March 2013 Buffers provide food, space for wildlife By SPENSER BRADLEY Mid-South Farmer CREATE WILDLIFE HABITAT: Installing a buffer on the edge of a field will attract wildlife. Key Points ANDOWNERS often ask Extension agents what they can do to improve their property for deer, turkey, quail or rabbits. On land where the main objective is agriculture production, establishing field buffers along the edges of crop fields or pastures is a great way to create habitat for wildlife, while minimally impacting production. Field buffers are managed strips of permanent cover, usually a mixture of grasses, forbs and shrubs, established around the borders of a production field. These areas create an “edge” where two or more different plant communities meet. They provide food, cover and space for game species such as quail, along with a wide variety of songbirds. Field buffers can be anywhere from 30 to 120 feet wide, with wider buffers generally being better for wildlife. These field buffers can be either planted with native grasses, or simply taken out of production and allowed to naturally regenerate from seeds already in the soil. Planting native grasses is the preferred option as most species of wildlife are adapted to these plants. In some instances, it may be necessary to first eliminate non-native invasive plants, such as tall fescue and L ■ On farmland, field buffers are a great way to encourage wildlife. ■ Use a mixture of grasses, forbs and shrubs around the borders. ■ “Crop the best and buffer the rest!” Bradley says. orchardgrass, which provide little benefit to wildlife. After the invasive plants are eradicated, disking the buffers in winter will help the seedbed germinate and the area can be allowed to grow fallow. Prescribed burning of sections of field buffers once every two to three years will maintain wildlife-beneficial plants such as native grasses, beggar’s-lice and pokeweed. There are numerous field buffer practices through farm bill conservation programs such as the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Reserve Program. Contact your county USDA Service Center to learn more about which buffer practices may be available to you on your farm. After field buffers become established, wildlife will not be far behind. Deer and rabbits will browse on soft, green plants and fruit such as blackberries, while quail and turkeys will feed on seeds and insects. Field buffers composed of native grasses provide an especially valuable source of cover for many birds, especially during the winter. During the spring and summer, they make great fawning cover, and excellent nesting and brooding cover for numerous game and non-game birds. Landowners may be concerned about the loss of crop yield that can occur with the establishment of field buffers. It is best to create field buffers in low-yield areas such as along shaded forest edges and corners and in areas with poor soil. In other words, crop the best and buffer the rest. Allowing these areas to grow fallow will reduce fuel, fertilizer, lime and seed costs. Deer depredation of crops may also be reduced, as they will have more natural food sources and will not rely as heavily on row crops for food. The increased wildlife populations will also bring an intrinsic value to your property and increase hunting opportunities. Field buffers are one of the best ways to create habitat for wildlife on agricultural land while minimally impacting production. They create food and cover for numerous species, and if placed correctly, yield loss will be minimal. Bradley is a regional Extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. SpeedTender™ Seed Delivery Systems 275, 375 or 500 Seed Unit Capacity y Self-Loading Conveyor Design t for Grea ring e Deliv Your to d e e rs S ome Cust Model 375ST Model 500ST Wide Variety of Control Options Dear Farmer, We listened to what you wanted in a seed tender, built it to meet your demands, and ended up with the best Seed Tender on the market. Thank You! Truck and Trailer Mount Option Available Model 275ST with Optional Gooseneck Frame FEATURES • Dual Compartments • Larger Opening to Fill Corners of Tank • Lower Overall Tank Height for Easier Filling and Greater Stability During Transport • Easy Access to Electric Start Honda® Engine • Heavier Rated Ball Hitch Connector Ft. Recovery, Ohio 45846 Phone: (419) 375-2376 Email: [email protected] • Electric Brakes on ALL Axles • A-Frame or Gooseneck Trailer Design • Easy Glide™ Axle System • Roll Tarp Protects Valuable Contents www.jm-inc.com • High Reach Conveyor • Choice of Red, Green, Blue or Beige Finish J. & M. Manufacturing. Co., Inc.