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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 #401768
Research Project: Sustainable Intensification in Agricultural Watersheds through Optimized Management and Technology

Location: Agroecosystems Management Research

Title: Grassed Waterways: 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: 3/12/2023
Publication Date: 3/14/2023
Citation: Wacha, K.M., Gilley, J.E. 2023. Grassed Waterways: Phosphorus Best Management Practices-Fact Sheet. SERA-IEG 17 Bulletin. https://sera17.wordpress.ncsu.edu/grassed-waterways/.

Interpretive Summary: Grassed waterways are natural or constructed channels established for transport of concentrated flow at safe velocities using adequate vegetation. They are generally broad and shallow by design to move surface water across farmland without causing rill and gully formation. The vegetative cover slows the water flow, minimizing channel surface erosion. When properly constructed,grassed waterways can safely transport large water flows down lope. These waterways can also be used as outlets for water released from contoured and terraced systems and from diverted channels. This best management practice can reduce sedimentation of nearby water bodies and pollutants in runoff. The vegetation improves the soil aeration and water quality (impacting the aquatic habitat) due to its nutrient removal (nitrogen, phosphorus, herbicides and pesticides) through plant uptake and sorption by soil.

Technical Abstract: Grassed waterways are natural or constructed channels established for transport of concentrated flow at safe velocities using adequate vegetation. They are generally broad and shallow by design to move surface water across farmland without causing rill and gully formation. The vegetative cover slows the water flow, minimizing channel surface erosion. When properly constructed,grassed waterways can safely transport large water flows down lope. These waterways can also be used as outlets for water released from contoured and terraced systems and from diverted channels. This best management practice can reduce sedimentation of nearby water bodies and pollutants in runoff. The vegetation improves the soil aeration and water quality (impacting the aquatic habitat) due to its nutrient removal (nitrogen, phosphorus, herbicides and pesticides) through plant uptake and sorption by soil.