We’re back in PA working for the state on their Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) program. These locations are selected to be cleared and turned over for agricultural use by local farmers. I asked one of our inspectors/state representatives why they don’t use traditional land-clearing methods. His response to me was simple.
1. Grinding or masticating the organic materials back into the soil adds nutrients back into the ground and stimulates new growth.
2. When the traditional methods of stripping and stockpiling are used, you will eventually need to deal with the mess. Inevitably, at some point, stripping piles and wind rows will be in the way of future growth or work.
3. The mulch created during the masticating process stabilizes the soil and helps with erosion during rain events until planted crops can take over that job.
4. Last but not least, (probably the #1 reason) “it’s just faster, cleaner, and you end up with immediately usable acres.”
Makes sense to us, and we’re more than happy to accommodate!
