Lesson 1Terracing and benching: types (grassed benches vs. structural terraces), siting on steep slopes, materials and construction basicsThis section introduces terracing and benching for steep cropland. It reviews terrace types, spacing, outlet design, construction basics, and how to maintain structures while keeping equipment access and drainage functional.
Choosing terrace or bench typesDetermining terrace spacing and gradePlanning inlets, outlets, and waterwaysConstruction steps and common materialsInspection, maintenance, and repairsLesson 2Conservation tillage and residue management: strip-till, reduced tillage, no-till, surface residue targets and benefitsThis section explains conservation tillage systems that maintain surface residue. It compares strip-till, reduced till, and no-till, sets residue targets, and discusses equipment setup, compaction, and residue distribution.
Comparing conventional and reduced tillageResidue cover targets by slope and soilStrip-till and no-till equipment setupManaging compaction and traffic patternsResidue distribution after harvestLesson 3Cover cropping: species selection (rye, clover, radish), sowing windows, multispecies mixes, cover crop termination methodsThis section covers cover crop planning for erosion control and soil health. It addresses species traits, seeding windows, mixtures, seeding methods, and termination options compatible with cash crops and livestock grazing.
Selecting rye, clover, radish, and mixesTiming seeding after harvest or interseedingSeeding rates and equipment optionsGrazing and forage use of cover cropsTermination by herbicide, rolling, or tillageLesson 4Grassed waterways and stabilized flow paths: design widths, species, establishment and maintenanceThis section explains how to design, establish, and maintain grassed waterways and stable flow paths that safely convey runoff, reduce rill and gully erosion, and integrate with existing field operations and drainage systems.
Sizing waterway width and side slopesSelecting grass and legume speciesSite preparation and seeding methodsInlet, outlet, and culvert protectionMowing, repairs, and sediment removalLesson 5Strip cropping and crop sequence design: alternating crop/bare strips, integration with corn/soy/vegetable rotationsThis section details strip cropping systems that alternate crops or cover with bare or low-cover strips. It explains strip orientation, width, crop sequencing, and integration with common corn, soybean, and vegetable rotations.
Types of strip cropping arrangementsSetting strip width and field orientationSequencing corn, soy, and small grainsIntegrating vegetables into strip systemsCoordinating traffic lanes and headlandsLesson 6Reforestation and agroforestry options for steep or marginal land: species, shelterbelts, alley cropping basicsThis section explores reforestation and agroforestry options for marginal or steep land. It covers species selection, shelterbelts, alley cropping, and how trees can reduce erosion while providing shade, habitat, and products.
Identifying marginal and erosion-prone areasChoosing tree and shrub species mixesDesigning shelterbelts and windbreaksAlley cropping layout and spacingIntegrating livestock with silvopastureLesson 7Gully repair and rill treatment: small-scale check dams, rock/log structures, vegetative stabilizationThis section addresses diagnosing and repairing rills and gullies before they expand. It explains causes, small check structures, reshaping, revegetation, and how to prevent recurrence through improved drainage and cover.
Identifying causes of rills and gulliesDesigning small rock or log check damsReshaping gully banks and channel bedVegetative stabilization and mulchingUpstream runoff control and diversionsLesson 8Contour farming and contour buffer strips: layout principles, grade control, row orientation and expected erosion reductionThis section explains contour-based field layout to slow runoff and reduce erosion. It covers mapping contours, row orientation, contour buffer strips, grade control, and how to integrate machinery traffic with contour systems.
Surveying and marking contour linesAligning crop rows with contour gradeDesigning contour buffer strip widthsManaging outlets and grade breaksEstimating erosion reduction benefitsLesson 9Rotational grazing and pasture management: stocking rates, paddock design, temporary fencing, exclusion zones near streamsThis section focuses on rotational grazing systems that protect soil and water. It addresses stocking density, paddock layout, temporary fencing, rest periods, and exclusion of sensitive riparian and wet areas from routine grazing.
Calculating carrying capacity and stocking rateDesigning paddock size and layoutUsing temporary fencing and lanesSetting rest periods and grazing heightsProtecting streams and wet spots from tramplingLesson 10Riparian buffer strips and stream protection: buffer width guidelines, species selection, bank stabilization techniquesThis section covers riparian buffer planning to protect streams from sediment and nutrients. It details buffer width rules, vegetation layers, livestock exclusion, and bank stabilization methods suited to mixed crop–livestock operations.
Determining buffer width by slope and riskZoned buffer design and vegetation layersNative tree, shrub, and grass selectionLivestock exclusion and watering accessBank shaping, toe armor, and live staking
