Diversions, grassed waterways, and terraces

Description

Diversions, grassed waterways, and terraces are structures that can improve water flow through land, reduce erosion and formation of gullies on slopes, and allow for better crop growth on bottomland soils. Diversions are often built on hill slopes near the peak to intercept runoff and reduce erosion from the field. Vegetation growing in the channel processes the water and removes nutrients.

Terraces are constructed differently, but they have a similar objective as diversions. They hold and guide water making its way down a slope, slowing the water to reduce the amount of soil erosion. Each diversion or terrace system must have an outlet, such as a grassed waterway, grade stabilizing structure, or underground outlet. If a diversion is planned for a high-erosion area, the farmer or landowner may need to add other soil protection practices to prevent the diversion from filling with sediment. A lease should clearly outline the responsibility for maintaining diversions or terraces. Maintenance includes keeping the terrace or diversion free of built-up sediment or burrowing animals, as well as providing any fertilizer needed to support healthy vegetation.

Two-stage ditches have benches which act as floodplains throughout the ditch, improving drainage and water infiltration, and reducing flood and erosion risk. Ditch banks are removed a few feet from the bottom to widen the overall ditch and create more space for water to flow.

Grassed waterways and diversions require a certain amount of dedicated land. The acres removed from production will decrease the total number of farmable acres, which potentially reduces rental rates.

Sample Lease Provision: Tenant agrees to maintain all diversions, terraces, and/or grassed waterways, including management of noxious weeds and built up sediment. If any inputs such as fertilizer or herbicide are required to support vegetation, the cost shall be the responsibility of Tenant.