Contour conservation practices are established by laying a level line across the contour of a slope and are effective in reducing water runoff down the slope on cropland. Buffer strips are narrow strips of a permanent vegetative cover planted across a slope and alternating down the slope. This practice is most effective on gentle slopes of 4-8 percent. The area between the narrow vegetative strips is planted to a crop. Contour farming is the tilling, planting and normal operation of all farming practices following the contour of the field slope. Contour farming is most effective on slopes of 2-10 percent. Stripcropping is growing row crops, forages, small grains or fallow in an alternating arrangement of equal strips planted on the contour of the field slope. All of the contour practices are effective in reducing sheet and rill erosion, and preventing sediment and contaminants from leaving the field. Wildlife also benefit from the use of contour buffer strips.

Crosswind practices are used on cropland to reduce the potential for erosion from wind. Wind ridges are formed by tillage or planting crops aligned across the direction of the prevailing wind. This practice is most effective on sandy loams and soils with high clay and silt content. Soils with a high content of sand are not adapted to this practice. Stripcropping is growing crops in strips established across the direction of the prevailing wind. Crops are alternated to provide protective cover that is resistant to wind erosion. Trap Strips are strips of herbaceous cover established across the direction of the prevailing wind. The trap strips also provide food and cover for wildlife. Crosswind practices are effective in reducing erosion from wind. The practices will also protect crops from damage caused by blowing soil and debris.

Filter Strips are areas of vegetation established for removing sediment, organic matter and pollutants from cropland runoff. This practice is commonly used at the lower edge of cropland adjacent to ponds, lakes and streams. Sediment and other pollutants are filtered from runoff in the strips and reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Grade stabilization structures primarily reduce water erosion in natural and artificial channels. The earthen structures trap sediment and pollutants carried in runoff from cropland. This practice is effective in preventing gully erosion where water washes deep channels into the soil.

Irrigation water management is controlling the rate, amount, and timing of application of irrigation water in an efficient manner. This practice is effective in minimizing soil erosion and loss of plant nutrients. It will also prevent water loss and protect water quality. The farmer must monitor the rate that water is applied and know the water requirements of the plants and the absorption rate of the soil to prevent erosion from runoff.

Riparian forest buffers are areas of trees and shrubs planted adjacent to a body of water. The purpose of this practice is the reduce excess amounts of sediment, organic material, nutrients, pesticides and other pollutants in surface runoff and other chemicals that may leach into shallow groundwater flow areas from cropland. This practice also provides a source of food and cover for wildlife.

Soil salinity management on non-irrigated cropland manages the land, water and plants to control harmful accumulations of salts on the soil surface or in the plant root zone. Saline seeps are commonly found in discharge and recharge areas and can be detected by a salt crusting on the soil surface. This practice is used to permit desired plant growth and protect surface and groundwater resources.

Terraces are an earthen embankment, a channel or a combination ridge and channel constructed across the slope. Terraces will reduce the length of the slope, reduce erosion and runoff, improve water quality and prevent the development of gullies. When properly installed farming on terraces can increase crop yields by conserving moisture instead of allowing the water to run down the slope.

Windbreak/shelterbelt establishment is placing single or multiple rows of trees commonly called field windbreaks to protect cropland. Windbreaks will reduce wind erosion, manage snow, and protect tender plants from damage of air borne soil and other particles. All species planted must be suited to the soils and conditions of the area to be protected.