Importance of Agricultural Vegetated Waterways [virtual]

Vegetated waterways are nothing new to the agricultural community, but their design and construction has evolved through the years. At the same time, some projects still use no erosion or sediment control BMPs. The negative impact that has on the environment and economics can be significant. Even when BMPs are used, they do not all perform the same. Experience has shown what works best for successful agricultural vegetated waterways.
The purpose of a vegetated waterway is to create a natural drainageway that helps retain soil and nutrients in-place, while filtering contaminated runoff. Grading and shaping is completed to form a smooth, shallow channel and then typically planted to vegetation with root systems capable of stabilizing the channel long-term. The waterways are designed to convey runoff from adjoining agricultural lands in a stable channel to prevent excess erosion of soil and loss of associated amendments. Vegetated waterways have proven to reduce pollutants from contaminated flows, such as an 81% mean reduction in total suspended solids according to the US EPA Stormwater Technology Fact Sheet on Vegetated Swales. Carbon sequestration along with filtration of contaminates such as nutrients and heavy metals are provided by the vegetated TRM channels. Vegetated water ways additionally serve as pollinator corridors and provide habitat for birds and animals.
This presentation is based on years of experience, contractor feedback, and input from farmers. The history of what has been done to protect our natural resources in the past and what types of BMPs have proven to be the best performers in recent years will be examined. Coming changes and improvements regarding vegetated agricultural waterways will be covered as well.