posted 5 years ago
That technique has worked well for me. Took it a bit further this year. These are pix of one of several made late this winter. I laid out a 4 foot wide section of half decayed wood on contour then added about a foot of leaves & quality soil layered on top. Small trench on the uphill side. It was quick & easy except for carrying all that wood & soil up a steep hill. It has done an excellent job of retaining water & preventing runoff. More wood & soil will likely be added late this fall so it will be even more hugely.
For what it's worth there is about 20 tomatoes, 20 squash & melons, various peppers, & a few celery growing on this one now. A part that is out of view is full of okra, black eyed peas, & more melons. Another one has corn, pumpkins, & more squash & melons. All doing great with no irrigation except for daily doses of, um, let's call it personal nitrogen supplements for the corn.
lower-berm-begin.jpg
lower-berm-now.jpg
lower-berm-with-soil.jpg
Argue for your limitations and they are yours forever.