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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment » Agroecosystems Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #401762
Research Project: Sustainable Intensification in Agricultural Watersheds through Optimized Management and Technology

Location: Agroecosystems Management Research

Title: Terraces: phosphorus best management practices-fact sheet

Author
item Wacha, Kenneth - Ken
item Gilley, John

Submitted to: SERA-IEG 17 Bulletin
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2023
Publication Date: 3/14/2023
Citation: Wacha, K.M., Gilley, J.E. 2023. Terraces: phosphorus best management practices-fact sheet. SERA-IEG 17 Bulletin. https://sera17.wordpress.ncsu.edu/grassed-waterways/.

Interpretive Summary: Terraces are earth embankments, or a combination ridge and channels, constructed across the field slope. Terraces intercept, detain and safely convey surface runoff to stable passages, that include grass waterways or underground outlets. Terraces are used to reduce runoff and erosion potential and the delivery of sediment and attached nutrients (phosphorus) to downslope streams, rivers, and lakes. As sediment reaches downstream water bodies, phosphorus particles may be released into the water, which can significantly impair water quality. Terraces have been shown to provide a 70% reduction in surface runoff and a 40% decrease in nutrient loads (nitrogen, phosphorus), and are most effective when used as part of an erosion control system, which may include contour farming, no-till or reduced till, and field borders.

Technical Abstract: Terraces are earth embankments, or a combination ridge and channels, constructed across the field slope. Terraces intercept, detain and safely convey surface runoff to stable passages, that include grass waterways or underground outlets. Terraces are used to reduce runoff and erosion potential and the delivery of sediment and attached nutrients (phosphorus) to downslope streams, rivers, and lakes. As sediment reaches downstream water bodies, phosphorus particles may be released into the water, which can significantly impair water quality. Terraces have been shown to provide a 70% reduction in surface runoff and a 40% decrease in nutrient loads (nitrogen, phosphorus), and are most effective when used as part of an erosion control system, which may include contour farming, no-till or reduced till, and field borders.