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Grassed waterway improvement and gully restoration

Description

Each year, tonnes of topsoil are eroded from localized areas on some Alberta farms. This loss is serious for several reasons: * The remaining soil has less productivity. * Eroded soils deposited... More ≫

Description

Each year, tonnes of topsoil are eroded from localized areas on some Alberta farms. This loss is serious for several reasons: * The remaining soil has less productivity. * Eroded soils deposited elsewhere in the field carry nutrients and pesticides that will increase the range of soil conditions in the field. * Eroded soil may be carried into nearby watercourses, reducing water quality. The Alberta Soil Conservation Act places the responsibility for controlling erosion on the landowner and requires municipalities to appoint a soil conservation officer to administer the Act locally.

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Grassed waterway construction

Description

Grassed waterways are broad, shallow channels that carry surface runoff with a minimum of erosion. Natural waterways are easily seeded to forages, either grass or grass-legume mixtures, to prevent... More ≫

Description

Grassed waterways are broad, shallow channels that carry surface runoff with a minimum of erosion. Natural waterways are easily seeded to forages, either grass or grass-legume mixtures, to prevent severe soil loss and gully formation. These waterways are constructed with uniform grades to gradually carry water down slopes and with flat bottoms to spread the water out and slow it. The vegetation in the channel retards the flow and provides a more durable channel surface that resists the soil cutting action of water. With proper fertilization and maintenance, a grassed waterway can be a productive forage area. Reshaping and grassing a gully allows easy access and crossing for machinery.

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