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Grassed Waterway
Shaping and establishing grass in a natural drainageway to prevent gullies from
forming.
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How it works
A natural drainageway is graded and shaped to form a smooth, bowl-shaped channel. This area
is seeded to sod-forming grasses. Runoff water that flows down the drainageway flows across
the grass rather than tearing away soil and forming a larger gully. An outlet is often
installed at the base of the drainageway to stabilize the waterway and prevent a new gully
from forming.
How it helps
 Grass cover protects the drainageway from gully erosion.
Vegetation may act as a filter, absorbing some of the chemicals and
nutrients in runoff water.
Vegetation provides cover for small birds and animals.
Planning ahead
Is major land reshaping needed?
Is there a proper outlet for surface runoff at the bottom of the waterway?
Are soil conservation measures installed to prevent
siltation?
Will tile drainage be necessary to establish vegetation in the waterway? *
Tech notes
A waterway should be deep enough and wide enough to carry the runoff
from the area draining into it. Check with NRCS for recommended depth
and width.
Plant seed at recommended time and rates. Place seed about 1/4 to
1/2 inch deep. Plant across the area or in a figure 8 pattern to reduce
erosion.
A nurse crop, temporary cover or mulching may be necessary until
permanent cover is established.
Maintenance
Lift implements out of the ground and shut off spray equipment when
crossing.
Don't use the waterway as a roadway.
Fertilize as needed.
Mow periodically, but wait until July 15 so young birds have a chance to
leave the nest. *
Maintain the width of the grass area when tilling surrounding fields.
Avoid planting end rows along the waterway. This prevents a new gully
forming on the outside edges of the waterway.
* Check for local recommendations.
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