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Grassed Waterways

Grassed Waterways - CP 8A (Practice Code: 412)

Grassed waterways are strips of grass seeded in areas of cropland where water concentrates or flows off a field.

Benefits of grassed waterways are the shaping of a natural drainageway and establishment of grass to prevent gully erosion and the formation of gullies in fields. The natural channel carries water runoff from the field while the grass prevents the water from forming a gully. Vegetation amongst the waterway may also trap sediment washed from cropland, absorb some chemicals and nutrients in the runoff water and provide cover for small birds and animals. Grass waterways are easier to cross with farm machinery than are natural gullies.

Requirements/Maintenance: Avoid end rows planted along the waterway, as they may allow gullies to form on the waterway edge. Also, be careful not to till into the edges of the waterway, mow periodically and fertilize if/when needed. When crossing the waterway, lift equipment out of the ground and shut off spray equipment. Do not use the waterway as a roadway.

To enhance grass waterway effectiveness, combine a waterway with a filter strip along the edge to trap additional contaminants or field sediment.

The following grassed waterway image was photographed on land in the Lake Erie Buffer region.

Aerial photo of Grass WaterwayA photo taken of a grass waterway located in the Lake Erie Buffer region.  (Click photo for larger image)

 

For further information on conservation buffers, visit the following pages:

Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Office ~ 3900 Campus Drive Suite A ~ Lima, OH 45804

Information on this site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Program disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions. The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Team prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status.

Modified by Benjamin Marckel, January 2003