Drainage Ditches: Improved management of agricultural drainage ditches for water quality protection: An overview

Brian A. Needelman; Peter J. A. Kleinman; Jeffrey S. Strock; Arthur L. Allen

Improved management of agricultural drainage ditches for water quality protection: An overview

Abstract:

Agricultural drainage ditches are essential for the removal of surface and ground water to allow for crop production in poorly drained agricultural landscapes. Ditches also mediate the flow of pollutants from agroecosystems to downstream water bodies. This paper provides an overview of the science, management, and policy of ditches. Ditches provide a unique opportunity to address nonpoint source pollution problems from agriculture due to the concentration of the contaminants and the engineered nature of ditch systems. A better understanding of the nature of these complex system and the technologies available and under development to improve their management will assist in the design and implementation of water quality protection programs.

Footnotes

Brian A. Needelman is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Peter J.A. Kleinman is a soil scientist at the Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, University Park, Pennsylvania. Jeffrey S. Strock is an associate professor at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Lamberton, Minnesota. Arthur L. Allen is an associate professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland.
Copyright 2007 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.