Contour Furrowing, Pitting, and Ripping on Rangelands of the Western United States

Abstract

The effects of mechanical treatments, such as contour furrowing, pitting, and ripping, on forage production and water storage were measured in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Of seven kinds of mechanical treatment evaluated, contour furrowing at 3- to 5-foot intervals and broadbase furrowing were most effective. The greatest beneficial responses occurred on medium-to fine-textured soils. Measurements at 20 locations including 8 types of vegetation receiving a single kind of treatment, contour furrowing, revealed that Nuttall saltbush responds most favorably to the treatment. Winterfat, black grama, and needleandthread provided unfavorable sites for mechanical treatments.