Soil erosion is high in sloping lands. Grass lines planted along contours slow down the speed of running water, allowing water infiltration hence helping control soil erosion leaving the soil with its fertility and soft.
Different grasses can be used, but preferably use grasses that compete less with crops and produce few seeds. You can also just leave strips of natural grass.
Grass strip establishment
Grass strips can be established using grass seeds or split mature grass. The strips are made up of about 3 lines of grasses 20cm apart. When using uprooted grass, cut it to 20cm and split the shoots and tillers before planting. Use an A-frame to lay out a contour line and plant in 10cm holes 10-20 cm apart while alternating second line alongside first one. Hedge rows should be 20m apart on gentle slopes and 10m on steep slopes and gaps in grass rows should always be filled at start of rainy season. The grass can be harvested for fodder, making silage and feeding fish.
