Grassed
waterways are broad, shallow channels designed to move surface water across
farmland without causing soil erosion. The vegetative cover in the waterway
slows the water flow and protects the channel surface from rill and gully
erosion. Waterways are often constructed in natural depressions where the
water collects and flows to an outlet.
A grassed waterway should be deep and wide enough to carry the peak runoff
from large storms. NRCS can help you determine the correct size for your
grassed waterway. If properly sized and constructed, grassed waterways will
safely transport water down slopes and prevent erosion. Waterways may also be
used to provide outlet channels for terrace systems, contour strip cropping
operations and diversion channels.
Grassed waterways are a good solution for controlling ephemeral gullies, which
is required by conservation compliance provisions. Inspect grassed waterways
annually or after unusually large storms. Promptly perform needed maintenance
to prevent costly damage to the waterway.
Proper shaping, seeding and grass
establishment are the keys to installing a successful grassed waterway. After
reviewing your waterway site, NRCS can provide information on shaping the
grassed waterway as well as provide seeding recommendations.
Seeding early enough to give the grass time to establish before heavy rains is
key to establishing effective grassed waterways. To protect the new waterway
from erosive rains during grass establishment, NRCS recommends using fabric
checks. Without these, another ditch can form and wash out the grass seed
during heavy rains.
Grassed Waterway Maintenance Tips
- Lift implements out of the ground before crossing the waterway.
- If possible, bring row crop patterns into the waterway nearly on the
contour, or use it as the turn area. Don’t plant end rows along the side of
the waterway.
- Plant good quality, NRCS-approved seed and fertilize periodically.
- Inspect the area frequently for eroding areas and places needing
reseeding. Repair minor rills or gullies by reshaping and reseeding.
- Maintain the width of the grass area when tilling and planting adjacent
fields.
- Avoid spraying herbicides in the waterway.
- Avoid driving up and down grassed waterways, especially during wet
conditions. The ruts caused by tire tracks can lead to gullies.
- Maintain outlets to prevent gullies from forming. This may include
reshaping and reseeding the outlet, or repairing components of structural
outlets.
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