Grassed Waterways – Agriculture Dictionary

Grassed Waterways

Definition:
Grassed waterways are natural or constructed channels with established vegetation designed to convey surface water runoff from agricultural fields while minimizing soil erosion and nutrient loss.

Informative Tips:

Grassed waterways play a crucial role in sustainable land management by reducing soil erosion, controlling sedimentation, and protecting water quality in adjacent water bodies. They are typically implemented in areas prone to runoff and soil erosion, such as sloping fields or drainage paths.

Practical Advice for Implementation:

1. Site Selection: Identify areas within the landscape where concentrated water flow occurs during precipitation events, such as gullies or low-lying areas, and determine the most suitable locations for constructing grassed waterways.
2. Design Considerations: Collaborate with agricultural engineers or conservation experts to design grassed waterways that align with the natural topography of the land, ensuring proper slope, width, and vegetation cover to effectively manage water flow and sediment transport.
3. Vegetation Management: Select grass species with dense root systems and erosion-resistant characteristics, such as native grasses or perennial forage crops, to establish vegetation along the waterway that stabilizes soil and reduces erosion.
4. Maintenance Practices: Implement regular maintenance activities, including mowing, reseeding, and repairing erosion damage, to preserve the integrity and functionality of grassed waterways over time.
5. Erosion Control: Monitor the effectiveness of grassed waterways in reducing soil erosion and sedimentation by conducting periodic assessments of water quality, sediment deposition, and vegetation health.
6. Water Quality Protection: Recognize the role of grassed waterways in improving water quality by filtering sediment, nutrients, and pollutants from surface runoff before they reach downstream water bodies, such as streams, rivers, and lakes.
7. Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the economic benefits of implementing grassed waterways, considering factors such as reduced soil loss, increased crop yields, improved wildlife habitat, and compliance with regulatory requirements for environmental stewardship.

Valuable Assistance in Implementation:

• Seek technical assistance from local soil and water conservation agencies or agricultural extension services for designing, installing, and maintaining grassed waterways on your farm.
• Explore cost-share programs and financial incentives available through government conservation programs or non-profit organizations to offset the expenses associated with implementing grassed waterways.
• Collaborate with neighboring landowners to coordinate the installation of grassed waterways across multiple properties, maximizing the collective benefits of soil and water conservation efforts.

In summary, grassed waterways are an essential conservation practice for mitigating soil erosion, protecting water quality, and promoting sustainable agriculture. By integrating grassed waterways into their farm management strategies, farmers can contribute to environmental stewardship and long-term productivity.

References:

1. “Grassed Waterways.” Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Link
2. Young, R. A., & Onstad, C. A. (2014). Grassed waterways. In Water erosion and sedimentation (pp. 309-333). CRC Press. Link
3. Moore, M. T., & Kroger, R. (2007). Grassed waterways and sediment basins: physical processes and effects on water quality. Water, air, and soil pollution, 185(1-4), 171-184. Link

Originally posted 2019-03-06 15:18:31.