Terrace Systems

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Terrace Systems

Terrace…

an earthen embankment around a hillside that stops water flow and stores it or guides it safely off a field.

How it works:

Terraces break long slopes into shorter ones. They usually follow the contour. As water makes its way down a hill, terraces serve as small dams to intercept water and guide it to an outlet.

There are two basic types of terraces---storage terraces and gradient terraces. Storage terraces collect water and store it until it can infiltrate into the ground or be released through a stable outlet.

Gradient terraces are designed as a channel to slow runoff water and carry it to a stable outlet like a grassed waterway.

How it helps:

Both water quality and soil quality are improved.
Terraces with grass on front or backslopes can provide nesting habitat.

Excerpts from “Conservation Choices”, a USDA – NRCS publication.

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Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District
1100 Morton Parkway, Chillicothe, MO 64601
PHONE: 660-646-5687 *** FAX: 660-646-4894

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