Using CREAMS to simulate filter strip effectiveness in erosion control

The CREAMS (Chemical, Runoff, and Erosion from Agricultural Management Systems) field-scale model is used to evaluate the effectiveness of grass filter strips for erosion control. Simulations are presented for filter strips of several widths (3-15 m), slopes (2.4–10%), and grass stand qualities (Manning's n, 0.023–0.46) on a 1.6 ha wheatland watershed in the Reddish Prairie land resource area. Filter strip effectiveness is dependent upon strip width, Manning's n, slope and slope configuration, and storm intensity. For 2.4% slopes with a concave-convex, concave, or uniform configuration, a filter strip 15 m (50 feet) wide with a good grass stand (Manning's n of 0.46) reduced soil loss 29%, 26%, and 33 %, respectively. A 2.4% convex slope presented the worst general condition for filter strip use, although a 15-m wide filter strip with a good grass stand could reduce soil loss as much as 46%. Results indicate that CREAMS can be a useful tool for evaluating filter strip effectiveness in reducing sediment yield.