Terrace POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Sediments, Salinity
DESCRIPTION: A terrace is an earth embankment, channel, or a combination ridge and channel constructed across the slope to intercept runoff water. A terrace provides level surfaces within sloping fields thus increasing irrigation efficiencies and reducing surface sheet flows. LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM: Nutrients/Organics Management- Vegetated strips between terraces provide a filter for nutrients carried down-slope by runoff Salinity Reduction- Vegetated strips between terraces provide a filter for salinity carried down slope by runoff Sediment Reduction – Vegetated strips between terraces provide a filter for sediment carried down slope by runoff ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Increases crop-growing area Prevents loss of soil from erosion
Arid Southwest BMP
- 97 -
LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Agricultural lands POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Agricultural Lands ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Cover Crop Filter Strip Irrigation Land Leveling PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: None