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The Evolution of Two-Stage Agricultural Ditches In the United States

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2012 Dallas, Texas, July 29 - August 1, 2012  121338344.(doi:10.13031/2013.41902)
Authors:   J L D’Ambrosio, R M Kallio, A D Ward, J D Witter, J Tank, S Roley
Keywords:   Agricultural drainage ditches, two-stage ditch, channel evolution, bankfull geometry, quasi-equilibrium, Midwestern United States, ecology

The landscape in the Midwest Region of the United States has been converted to agricultural use and with this has come greatly altered hydrologic functioning. In some cases, these hydrologic alterations have also led to severe water quality problems, including accelerated rates of stream bank erosion and sedimentation problems, inadequate processing of nutrients, and turbidity increases, each of which pose adverse consequences for aquatic biota. Research by the authors has lead to the modification of some trapezoidal agricultural ditches to two-stage geometries that are sized based on geomorphic concepts. A procedure for sizing these systems has been developed by the authors. Most of these innovative systems are located in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio and 30-50 ditches have been modified to a two stage geometry. The main objective of the paper is to present details on how these systems have evolved since construction. Channel evolution was determined by the assessment and analysis of physical condition includes tracking changes in form by repeated surveys of channel dimension, pattern and profile. Pre-construction and post-construction properties are being compared. Channel dimensions are also compared to regional curves for each of the watersheds. Systems studied range in age from less than one year to about eight years. All systems that have been studied have been very stable, exhibited small adjustments on the constructed floodplains (benches), and have required little or no maintenance. Some of the systems have exhibited a predicted narrowing of the inset (1st Stage) channel. The paper addresses issues that require further consideration.

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