Root Plowing

by Robert A. Bergquist, Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
Manhattan, Kansas

Root plowing can be beneficial both to the landowner and to wildlife. The way you manage hedgerows and the trees along streams will determine if you are doing a conservation practice or having a problem now or in the future.

Trees along field edges can take moisture away from several rows of crops. It is especially noticeable in dry years. But trees along fields can have beneficial functions as well. They reduce wind speeds that dry out the ground. This action can increase crop yields and the benefits will extend out into the field for up to 10 times the height of the trees. Trees will also produce an even covering of snow over a field in winter instead of the snow all being blown off. This practice can add significant soil moisture and nutrients to the crop fields.

Fortunately, there is a way to keep the trees and eliminate the problem of the trees removing moisture from the edge of the crop field. Using a root plow is an effective way to accomplish the task. Root plowing is done with a deep shank ripper or chisel at a depth of 20 to 30 inches. This operation should be parallel to the hedgerow or tree line and out into the field about 15 to 20 feet. Just be sure that you can cultivate over the root plow line in case any tree sprouts come up from the roots.

The ripper blade must be large enough to severe the lateral root system of the trees and may need to be done in two passes. Care should be taken not to cut buried cables or pipelines so call 1-800-DIG-SAFE before you begin.

Crop yield data in fields next to root-plowed hedgerows have shown up to a 40 percent increase in yields along the field edge that can be affected up to 75 feet from the trees. The roots usually grow back at a rate of 1 to 1 1/2 feet per year so it should be several years before root plowing needs to be done again. Root plowing has shown- no effect on the growth and health of the trees receiving the treatment.

Root plowing will provide you better crop yields adjacent to tree lines, as well as retaining moisture in the soil. This management action can save your hedgerow, save you money, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Root plows are available from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, as well as from some local conservation districts.

For further assistance on this excellent management alternative, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service located at your local county USDA Service Center or the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks office.

For more information visit the Kansas NRCS web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov or the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks web site at www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

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Root Plowing (DOC; 28 KB)

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Last Modified: 09/09/2008