Terraces are an ancient erosion control practice. The terrace has been used by many cultures to allow the production of grains such as wheat and rice on steep slopes. These terraces were generally small width level terraces designed to prevent erosion, capture runoff, and in some cases allow for surface irrigation. The basic concept of these systems was the reforming of steep landscapes into flat farmable benches to control water runoff and reduce erosion. The use of terraces for erosion control in the United States became an accepted practice after the Dust Bowl years. This course is a guide for the planning, design, and implementation of terrace and water and sediment control basin (WASCOB) conservation practices. The design of the underground outlet (UGO) conservation practice as used with these practices is also included. The course is national in scope and may be supplemented with regional and local information.

Topics: Introduction to Terrace Systems Introduction to WASCOB (water and sediment control basin) systems Introduction to UGOs (underground outlets) Total resource management systems Terrace and WASCOB planning considerations Terrace cross-sections, channel block, spacing WASCOB cross-sections and spacing Broadbase Terraces Steep-backslope (grassed-back) Terraces Narrow-base Terraces Flat channel (level) Terraces Terrace Alignment and Layout WASCOB, and Surface / Underground Outlet Design Procedures Terrace Ridge and Channel Design Terrace Construction Methods Terrace and Outlet Maintenance Requirements.

Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, environmental, construction, land development engineers, and land planners. However, this course could appeal to engineers of other disciplines as well. 

Publication Source: USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service