What is it:
A graded ditch for collecting excess water in a field. Used to drain surface depressions; collect or intercept excess surface water, such as sheet flow, from natural and graded land surfaces or channel flow from furrows and carry it to an outlet; and collect or intercept excess subsurface water and move it to an outlet.
Where is it used:
Applicable sites are flat or nearly flat and:
- Have soils that are slowly permeable (low permeability) or that are shallow over barriers, such as rock or clay, which hold or prevent ready percolation of water to a deep stratum.
- Have surface depressions or barriers that trap rainfall.
- Have insufficient land slope for ready movement of runoff across the surface.
- Receive excess runoff or seepage from uplands.
- Require the removal of excess irrigation water.
- Require control of the water table.
- Have adequate outlets available for disposal of drainage water by gravity flow or pumping.
Who do I contact in Ohio:
Extension https://extension.osu.edu/lao#county
SWCD https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/soil-and-water-conservation/find-a-local-swcd
NRCS https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/oh/contact/local/
Questions, concerns or suggestions for website content on this practice.https://agbmps.osu.edu/submit/email-general-questions-comments-or-concerns