Initiative
As winter approaches, snow is often viewed as something that needs to be managed, but on Alberta farms and ranches, it can also be a valuable resource. Stockpiled forage, standing crop residue and shelterbelts can all help capture and hold snow where it falls. When planned and managed together, these features can function as environmental infrastructure, helping conserve moisture, protect soil, provide livestock shelter and support more resilient agricultural systems.
Stockpiled forage is standing forage that is intentionally left for grazing later in the fall or winter. Leaving adequate plant material standing above the snow can slow wind speeds and trap snow across the landscape. This creates a more even distribution of snow and can increase the amount of moisture retained on the land rather than being lost through blowing and drifting. Standing forage can also provide livestock with access to feed during the winter, potentially extending the grazing season and reducing the need for harvested feed.
Crop residue can provide similar benefits. Leaving sufficient residue standing after harvest helps slow wind at the soil surface and capture snow. More evenly distributed snow can improve soil moisture availability following spring melt, while residue protects the soil surface from wind and water erosion. Residue also contributes organic matter to the soil as it decomposes and can help reduce evaporation by providing surface cover. Maintaining adequate residue is particularly valuable in areas where strong winter winds can move both snow and soil.
Shelterbelts and tree rows add another layer of protection. Trees and shrubs reduce wind speed and create areas where snow can accumulate. Properly designed shelterbelts can help distribute snow across adjacent fields and pastures rather than allowing it to blow away or collect in undesirable locations. They can also provide livestock with protection from cold winter winds, reducing exposure to severe weather. Beyond snow capture, shelterbelts provide habitat for wildlife, reduce erosion, contribute to biodiversity and can improve the overall ecological function of agricultural landscapes.
The greatest benefits can occur when these features are considered as part of a larger farm plan. For example, a shelterbelt can capture snow moving across a field, while standing residue or stockpiled forage helps hold that snow in place farther into the field. Livestock can then graze stockpiled forage while benefiting from nearby shelter. Thoughtful placement can also help manage snowmelt by keeping water and nutrients on the landscape rather than allowing rapid runoff into low areas or nearby water bodies.
Thinking of snow capture as environmental infrastructure changes the way we look at features that may already exist on the farm. Standing forage, crop residue and shelterbelts are not simply leftover vegetation or obstacles to field operations. They can provide valuable functions that would otherwise require additional inputs or infrastructure. With careful planning, producers can use these natural assets to conserve moisture, protect soil, improve livestock conditions and build resilience into their farm and ranch systems.