Q.630.

7
It6c
no. 1225
cop. 5
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

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M 8 2(100

UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS LIBRARY
AT UR3ANA CHAMPAIGN
AGRICULTURE

L161— O-1096
 Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

http://www.archive.org/details/designforgrassed1225stal
 <$
DESIGN FOR A
**$+*
v* ^«
^X^i

GRASSED WATERWAY

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Acknowledgments
The work described in this publication was carried out by researchers
and engineers from the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and the Soil Conservation Service, United
States Department of Agriculture. We are grateful to Roger R. Yoerger,
Head, UIUC Department of Agricultural Engineering, for initiating the
project and to Carroll J. W. Drablos, Professor of Soil and Water Exten-
sion, for his valuable advice.
Personnel of the Soil Conservation Service in state and local offices in
were most helpful,
Illinois especially Jeff Healy, Agricultural Engineer at
the Champaign office.
We wish to thank William O. Ree, retired Hydraulic Engineer, Agricul-
tural Research Service, and former Director, Outdoor Hydraulic Labora-
tory at Stillwater, Oklahoma, for his advice.

Authors
John B. Stall, Visiting Associate Professor (1981), Department of Agricultural
Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Walter D. Lembke, Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering,

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Michael C. Schendel, State Conservation Engineer, Soil Conservation
Service

Dale H. Vanderholm, Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering,

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Assistant Director, Ag-
ricultural Experiment Station

Don W. Graffis, Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Illinois

at Urbana-Champaign
 ^5?\ate ^X
(109**0

CONTENTS

Introduction 1
Applicability 1
Requirements 2
Assistance 2
Sequence of Construction 2

Hydrologic Design 3
Rainfall 3
Hydrologic Soil Group 3
Curve Number 3
Watershed Slope 3
Peak Flow 6

Shape and Dimension 8

General Layout 8
Drainage Area 8
Shape 8
Flow Velocity 8
Capacity 8
Waterway Design 8
Subsurface Drainage 9

Construction , 12
Methods 12

Establishment of Grass 13
Importance 13
Seedbed 13
Seed Mixture 13
Time of Year 15
Temporary Cover 15

Design Example 16
Problem 16
Step-by-Step Solution 16

Design by Use of Equations 17

Need 17
Hydraulic Equations to Be Used 17
Special Problem 17

Maintenance 18
Repair 18
Double Channeling from Improper Plowing 18
Double Channeling from Waterway Sedimentation 19
Mowing 19
Herbicides 19

Related Ideas 20
Livestock Waste Disposal 20
Sediment Filters 20
Design Using Tractive Force 20

References 21
Tables

1. Hydrologic Soil Groups for Illinois 4

2. Runoff Curve Numbers 6
3. Parabolic Channels: Width-Depth Ratios
and Resulting Side Slopes 8
4. Allowable Velocities for Grassed Waterways 8
5. Design Table for Parabolic Grassed Waterways 10
6. Grass Seeding Mixtures Suitable Throughout Illinois 12
7. Fertilizers for Establishing Grass 13
8. Planting Dates for Grass in Illinois 15
9. Temporary Cover for a Waterway Completed in Midsummer 15
10. Calculations for Trial-and-Error Design of Special
Problem Example by Use of Equations 16

Figures

1. The 24-hour Rainfall for Illinois for a 10-Year Return Period 3

2. Watersheds with a Flat Slope 6

3. Watersheds with a Moderate Slope 7
4. Watersheds with a Steep Slope 7
5. Configuration of a Parabolic Waterway 9

6. Roughness Factor for the Manning Equation 9

7. Minimum Spacing for a Tile Drain Beneath a Grassed Waterway 12
8. Plant Suitability Zones of Illinois 14
9. Destruction of Grassed Waterway by Sedimentation 18
INTRODUCTION
Most farm plans for soil and
water conservation must, to be ef-
fective, include grassed waterways
as part of their design. The wide,
shallow, sod-lined channels of
these waterways safely dispose of
surface water from heavy rains and
prevent the formation of gullies.
Wherever surface runoff water
from more than a few acres col-
lects, a gully often forms. A grassed
waterway is needed to prevent the
resulting erosion.
Grassed waterways can make
farming more convenient. If de-
signed and constructed properly,
they can be crossed easily with
farm equipment. Possible damage
to equipment taken across a gully
can thus be avoided.
Land used for waterways is not
wasted. The success of the total
soil and water conservation pro-
gram on the farm depends on the
proper removal of surface runoff
water through these waterways.
The area needed for waterways
should therefore be used for its in-
tended purpose. The production
of forage or the use of the land as
a wildlife habitat should be sec-
ondary to the continued, proper
functioning of the waterway as a
means of carrying runoff and pre-
venting erosion.
When making a decision to build
a grassed waterway, the landowner
should first compute the cost and
then select the best time of year
for construction. In Illinois the best
time is usually midsummer: small
grains can be grown earlier, and
the waterway constructed after the
grain is harvested. Grasses can be
seeded right after construction.
During the decade from 1970 to
1980, about 800 miles of grassed
waterways were built on Illinois
farms each year, that is, about 8
miles of waterway per year for
every county. It is hoped that more
grassed waterways will be con-
structed in the next decade.
This circular has been written to
provide up-to-date, easy-to-use in-
formation on the design, construc-
tion,and maintenance of grassed
waterways. The publication is in-
tended for use by land improve-
ment contractors, conservation
technicians, and engineers. The
procedures given cover the range
of conditions found in Illinois. The
major publication that has been
used for three decades to design
grassed waterways is the Handbook
of channel design for soil and water
conservation (SCS-TP-61), published
and revised by the Soil Conserva-
tion Service in 1954. Current text-
books, such as that by Schwab et
al. (1981), provide design proce-
dures based on the same informa-
tion. The Soil Conservation Ser-
vice's Engineering field manual
(1969) describes procedures that
are also based on this source. The
present publication uses the same
procedures as those in the refer-
ences cited, but the steps have
been greatly simplified. In carrying
out operations on a day-to-day ba-
sis in each Illinois county, techni-
cians will be able to use a pro-
grammable calculator to facilitate
the procedures outlined here.
A design for a grassed waterway
has also been published by the
Northeastern Illinois Soil Erosion
and Sedimentation Control Com-
mittee (1981) as part of a set of
procedures for conservation sys-
tems. The material is presented in
a "how-to-do-it" handbook.
Applicability
A grassed waterway intended
is
to convey water without eroding
the soil. It is therefore important
that an overland flow regime be
maintained and that the water be
prevented from becoming channel-
ized. Even small irregularities in the
soil surface will disrupt the
smooth, even flow of water
the waterway, directing the water
into a small, concentrated channel.
The flow velocity will then
very high in this small channel and
lead to erosion.
Grassed waterways are used for
the following purposes:
• to drain terraces or diversions
• to dispose of water collected
in road ditches
• to stabilize a natural
is eroding
• to stabilize a natural
which additional runoff water
is being added by contours or
terraces
It is not considered a desirable
conservation practice to modify an
existing natural watercourse
currently carrying water and
channel is not eroding. Such a
draw might contain a meandering,
noneroding channel vegetated
with brush and trees that, in addi-
tion to holding the soil in place,
provide a valuable habitat for quails,
rabbits, pheasants, meadowlarks,
cardinals, and other desirable
wildlife.
Requirements
To allow construction of a
grassed waterway, an area must
have enough soil to establish and
maintain a stand of grass.
outlet is also essential. If
natural outlet is not available, then
a structure is necessary. In addition,
tiledrainage may be required be-
neath the waterway.
Assistance
The county Extension adviser can
give advice on the general applica-
bility of the practice to a particular
farm situation. The county soil and
water conservation district can
then be contacted about a specific
conservation plan. The district con-
servationist of the Soil Conserva-
down tion Service can provide technical
assistance for developing and im-
plementing a conservation plan
become that incorporates the waterways
into a total resource management
system. Information about cost-
share assistance can be obtained
from the county office of the Agri-
cultural Stabilization and Conserva-
tion Service.
draw that Sequence of Construction
A grassed waterway should be
draw to conserva-
built as a part of a total
tion program. If land treatment
measures are needed to control
soil losses on the land draining into
the grassed waterway, then these
measures should be completed be-
if it is
fore the waterway is built. Other-
if the wise the waterway will be damaged
and may require excessive mainte-
nance and reconstruction.
If terraces are to be built to con-
trol upland erosion, then the
grassed waterway may be used as
an outlet for the water collected
by the terrace system. In this case
the grassed waterway should be
built first so that when the terraces
are built, the outlet will already be
available.
A stable
a stable
 HYDROLOGIC DESIGN

Rainfall
The waterway should be sized to
carry the runoff resulting from the
maximum 24-hour rainfall expected
in a 10-year return period. This
rainfallcan be read from the map
in 1. It varies from 4 inches
Figure
in northeast Illinois to 5 inches at
the southern tip of Illinois.

Hydrologic Soil Group

To determine runoff volume, one
must know the hydrologic soil
group that is dominant on the wa-
tershed to be drained by the
waterway. Table 1 lists Illinois soils
and their hydrologic soil groups,
namely A, B, C, or D. There are
usually several soils on each wa-
tershed. The most representative
category from A, B, C, or D should
be selected.

Curve Number
The runoff from a soil also de-
pends on the land use, and runoff
'4.6 curve numbers (RCN) provide an
index of this runoff. Table 2 gives
curve numbers of the hydrologic
soil groups A, B, C, and D with
various land uses.

Watershed Slope
The watershed should be judged
as being flat, moderate, or steep in
slope by reference to the following
key:

Slope (%) Description

to 2 Flat
3 to 7 Moderate
Over 7 Steep
Figure 1. The 24-hour rainfall for Illinois, in inches, for a 10-year return period. (Data
from U.S. Weather Bureau, Rainfall frequency atlas of the United States. Technical paper
no. 40. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1961.) The slope is that of the total land
area contributing runoff to the
waterway. This slope is not the
channel grade.
Table 1. Hydro logic Soil Groups for Illinois

Soil series Hydrologic Soil series Hydrologic Soil series Hydrologic

Name Number soil group Name Number soil group Name Number soil group

A Ade 98 A Chute 282 A Ginat 460 D

Adrian 777 A/D Cisne 2 D Gorham 162 B/D
Aholt 670 D Clarence 147 D Gosport 551 C
Alford 308 B Clarksdale 257 C Goss 606 B
Allison 306 B Clarksville 471 B Granby 513 A/D
Alvin 131 B Clinton 18 B Grantfork D
Ambraw 302 B/D Coatsburg 660 D Grantsburg 301 C
Andres 293 B Coffeen 428 B Grays 698 B
Aptakisic 365 B Colo 402 B/D Grellton 780 B
Arenzville 78 B Colp 122 C Griswold 363 B
Argyle 227 B Comfrey 776 B/D
Armiesburg 596 B Corwin 492 B H Hamburg 30 B
Ashdale 411 B Cowden 112 D Harco 484 B
Ashkum 232 B/D Coyne 764 B Harpster 67 B/D
Assumption 259 B Creal 337 C Harrison 127 B
Atkinson 661 B Hartsburg 244 B/D
D D Dakota
Atlas
Atterberry
7
61 B — Dana
379
56
B
B
Harvard
Hayfield
344
771
B
B
Ava 14 C Darmstadt 620 D Haymond 331 B
Ayr 204 B Darroch 740 C Haynie 394 B
Darwin 71 D Hennepin 25 B
B Backbone 768 B Del Rey 192 C Herbert 62 B
Banlic 787 C Denny 45 D Herrick 46 B
Barrington 443 B Denrock 262 D Hesch 390 B
Batavia 105 B Derinda 417 C Hickory 8 C
Baxter 599 B Dickinson 87 B High Gap 556 C
Baylis 472 B Disco 266 B Hitt 506 B
Beardstown 188 C Dodge 24 B Homer 326 C
Beasley 691 C Dodgeville 40 B Hononegah 354 A
Beaucoup 70 B/D Dorchester 239 B Hoopeston 172 B
Bedford 598 C Douglas 128 B Hosmer 214 C
Beecher 298 C Dowagiac 346 B Houghton 103 A/D
Belknap 382 C Downs 386 B Hoyleton 3 C
C Huey D
Berks
Billett
955 & 986
332 B — Dresden
Drummer
325
152
B
B/D Huntington
120
600 B
Binghampton 355 B Drury 75 B Huntsville 77 B
Birds 334 C/D Dubuque 29 B Hurst 338 D
Birkbeck 233 B Dunbarton 505 C
Blackoar 603 B/D Du Page 321 B 1 lona 307 B
Blair 5 C Dupo 180 C Ipava 43 B
Bloomfield 53 B Durand 416 B Iva 454 C
Blount 23 C
Bluford 13 C E Ebbert 48 C/D J Jacob 85 D
Bodine 471 B Edgington 272 B/D Jasper 440 B
Bold 35 B Edinburg 249 C Joliet 314 D
Bonfield 493 B Edmund 769 D Joslin 763 B
""
Bonnie 108 C/D Elburn 198 B Joy 275 B
Booker 457 D Elco 119 B Jules 28 B
Boone 397 A El Dara 264 B Juneau 782 B
Bowdre 589 C Eleroy 547 B
Bowes 792 B Eleva 761 B K Kane 343 B
Boyer 706 B Elkhart 567 B Kankakee 494 B
Brandon 956 B Elliott 146 C Karnak 426 D
Brenton 149 B Elsah 475 B Keller 470 C
Broadwell 684 B Emma 469 C Keltner 546 B
Brooklyn 136 C Kendall 242 B
Bryce 235 D F Faxon 516 B/D Keomah 17 C
Burkhardt 961 B Fayette 280 B Kernan 554 C
Burnside 427 B Fieldon 380 B/D Kidder 361 B
Fincastle 496 C Knight 191 B/D
C Cairo 590 D Fishhook 6 D
Calamine 746 D Flagg 419 B L La Hogue 102 B
Calco 400 B/D Flagler 783 B Lamont 175 B
— Camden 134 B
— Flanagan 154 B Landes 304 B
Canisteo 347 C/D Fox 327 B La Rose 60 B
Cape 422 D Frankfort 320 C Lawler 647 B
Carmi 286 B Friesland 781 B Lawndale 683 B
Casco 323 B Frondorf 781 B Lawson 451 C
— Catlin 171 B Fults 591 D Lax 628 C
Channahon 315 D Lena 210 A/D
Chatsworth 241 D G Gale 413 B Lenzburg 871 B
Chauncey 287 C Genesee 431 B Lisbon 59 B
Chelsea 779 A Gilford 201 B/D Littleton 81 B
Table 1 — continued

Soil series Hydrologic Soil series Hydrologic Soil series Hvdrolosic

Name Number soil group Name Number soil group Name Number soil group

Lomax 265 B — Pella 153 B/D Sunbury 234 B

Loran 572 B Peotone 330 B/D Swygert 91 C
Lorenzo 318 B Petrolia 288 B/D Sylvan 19 B
Piasa 474 D Symerton 294 B
M Marine 517 C Pike 583 B
Marissa 176 C Pillot 159 B T Tallula 34 B
Markham 531 C Piopolis 420 C/D Tama 36 B
Markland 467 C Plainfield 54 A Tamalco 581 D
Marseilles 549 B Piano 199 B Tell 565 B
Marshan 772 B/D Plattville 240 B Terril 587 B
Martinsville 570 B Port Byron 277 B Thebes 212 B
Martinton 189 C Prairieville 650 B Thorp 206 C/D
Massbach 753 B Proctor 148 B Tice 284 B
Matherton 342 B Timula 271 B
Maumee 89 A/D R Racoon 109 C/D Titus 404 B/D
McFain 248 C Raddle 430 B Toronto 353 C
McGary 173 C Radford 74 B Traer 633 B/D
McHenry 310 B Rantoul 238 D Trempealeau 765 B
Medway 682 B Rapatee 872 D Troxel 197 B
Metea 205 B — Raub 481 C
— Miami 27 B Reddick 594 B/D U Uniontown 482 B
Middletown 685 B Reesville 723 C Ursa 605 C
Milford 69 B/D Richview 4 C
Millbrook 219 B Ridgeville 151 B V Vanpetten 357 B
Millington 82 B/D Ridott 743 C Varna 223 C
Millsdale 317 B/D Riley 452 B Velma 250 B
Mokena 295 C Ringwood 297 B Virden 50 B/D
Mona 448 B Ripon 324 B Virgil 104 B
Monee 229 D Ritchey 311 D
Montgomery
Montmorenci
465 D Robbs 335 D W Wabash 83 D
57 B Roby 184 C Wagner 26 D
Morley 194 C Rockton 503 B Wakeland 333 B/D
Morocco 501 B Rodman 93 A Wallkill 292 D
Mt. Carroll 268 B Romeo 316 D Ware 456 B
Mundelein 442 B Ross 73 B Warsaw 290 B
Muren 453 B Rowe 230 D Washtenaw 296 C/D
Muscatine 41 B Rozetta 279 B Watseka 49 B
Muskego 621 A/D Ruark 178 B/D Wauconda 697 B
Muskingum 425 C Rush 791 B Waukee 727 B
Myrtle 414 B Rushville 16 D Waukegan 564 B
Russell 322 B Waupecan 369 B
N Nachusa 649 B Rutland 375 C Wea 398 B
Nameoki 592 D Weinbach 461 C
Nappanee 228 D S Sabina 236 C Weir 165 D
Nasset 731 B Sable 68 B/D Wellston 339 B
Negley 585 B Saffell 956 B Wenona 388 C
Neotoma 976 & 977 B Sarpy 92 A Wesley 141 B
Newberry 217 C Saude 744 B Westland 300 B/D
New Glarus 928 & 561 B Sawmill 107 B/D Westmore 940 C
Niota 261 D Saybrook 145 B Westville 22 B
Saylesville 370 C Whalen 509 B
Oakville 741 A Schapville 418 C Wheeling 463 B
Ockley 387 B Sciotoville 462 C Whitaker 571 C
Oconee 113 C Seaton 274 B Whitson 116 D
Octagon 656 B Selma 125 B/D Will 329 B/D
Odell 490 B Sexton 208 C/D Wingate 348 B
Ogle 412 B Shadeland 555 C Winnebago 728 B
Okaw 84 D Sharon 72 B Woodbine 410 B
Onarga 150 B Shiloh 138 B/D Worthen 37 B
Oneco 752 B Shoals 424 C Wynoose 12 D
Orio 200 B/D Shullsburg 745 C
Orion 415 C — Sidell 55 B \, Xenia 291 B
Otter 76 B/D Sogn 504 D
Sparta 88 A Zanesville 340 C
Palms 100 A/D St. Charles 243 B Zipp 524 C/D
Palsgrove 429 B St. Clair 560 D Zook 504 C/D
Pana 256 B Starks 132 C Zurich 696 B
Papineau 42 C Stockland 155 B Zwingle 576 D
Parke 15 B Stonelick 665 B
Parkville 619 C Stoy 164 C Note: Two soil groups, such as B/D, indicate
Parr 221 B Strawn 224 B that the hydrologic soil group is B for a
Patton 142 B/D Streator 435 B/D drained condition and D for an undrained
Pecatonica 21 B Stronghurst 278 B condition.
Peak Flow
The graphs in Figures 2, 3, and 4 Table 2. Runoff Curve Numbers
show the peak flow in cubic feet
Hydrologic Soil C roup
per second (cfs) to be expected Description
A B C D
from watersheds of 5 to 200 acres,
for rainfalls from 4 to 5 inches, and Cultivated
without conservation treatment 72 81 88 91
for curve numbers from 60 to 90.
Figure 2 pertains to watersheds with conservation treatment 62 71 78 81

with a flat slope; Figure 3 to wa-

Pasture or range
tersheds with a moderate slope; poor condition 68 79 86 89
and Figure 4 to watersheds with a good condition 39 61 74 80
steep slope. By reading the appro-
priate graph, one can determine
Meadow 30 58 71 78

the peak flow. This is the flow rate Woods or Forest

(cfs) that the grassed waterway thin stand, poor cover, no mulch 45 66 77 83
must be designed to carry. good cover 25 55 70 77

Farmsteads 59 74 82 86

Roads 74 84 90 92

Note: The curve numbers n bold type are less than the values given in Figures 2, 3,
and 4. Use CN 60 for these conditions.

1,000 1,000

o
z
u
LU
<Si c urv e ni rip »ry 90 Ci irue lumbi T
OS
LU 85
a.
80
R tii if ill, inc! les
100
1,1 infall, in< :hes
"- 100 75
u 70

U 65

8*
y'y' ^r
*\ 60
.
"t^r ^^
/

<
•|54>^
10 _^^v V 10 Iv *
t ^
p/ V^5 j^^
4^ fy--

5 10 100 200 5 10 100 200

WATERSHED, ACRES

Figure 2. Watersheds with a flat slope.

 1,000 1,000

< ^ur ve m ml ^<:r 90 Cu rvu it ji nber

85
80

75
F ai ifall, ir iche F <i ifall, inche »

70
100 100 j&
65

60
jS S .^
4\

t&/£
$y^^
7
AjV^j' * *

10
**
*
Sk 4 10
^yS
4 4

**

5 10 100 200 5 10 100 200

WATERSHED, ACRES

Figure 3. Watersheds with a moderate slope.

1,000r 1,000

t| ur ve i li ii ^"ber 90 ( lu "V2 nu ribe •

85
80
75
70
\u ifall, in< hes^ I til infall, in< :hes
65

IUU 1
60 100 .
V
f.
X4y Ss
ss
/ y^ .

/ A^j s*s&
1' 3^
*/'*/

1ft -
/ 4/
f/
10 f
5- 5
10 100 200 5 10 100 200

WATERSHED, ACRES

Figure 4. Watersheds with a steep slope.

SHAPE AND DIMENSION

General Layout Drainage Area build because at a width of 0.5 T

A natural drainageway should be Walk the boundary of the wa- the depth is 0.75 d, and at a width
used if possible. Other desirable tershed and sketch it on a map or of 0.7 T the depth is 0.5 d.
features are an existing stable out- aerial photo, then measure the
Flow Velocity
let for the drainageway; soil and area. The size of the waterway de-
moisture conditions already favor- pends on the peak flow, which in Because the erosion resistance of
soil increases with dense vegeta-
able for growing grass; and enough turn is proportional to the drain-
depth in the drainageway to allow age area. Be sure to include the tion, the maximum allowable flow

for outlets from terraces, diver- drainage area that may lie across velocity in feet per second (fps) is

related to the thickness or density

sions, or crop rows at the grade of the fence and belong to another
of the grass that covers the chan-
the constructed waterway without landowner.
necessitating structures. A field survey should be made nel bed. Table 4 shows allowable
along the course of the proposed velocities. In determining the
waterway. Make a profile of the width and depth of the channel
existing natural channel including
required to carry the peak flow, it
is necessary, as will be shown, to
cross sections. The waterway
Table 3. Parabol c Channels: Width- manipulate the velocity and flow
should then be divided into
Depth ratios and Resulting
1
area so that the channel will be
Side Sic •pes* reaches having an approximately
large enough, stable, and crossable
uniform slope and cross section.
Width-Depth Side i slope at
This will allow the waterway to be
with farm implements.
ratio, T/d edge of channel
constructed in such a way that a Capacity
Crossable Horizontal minimum amount of earth will be Different grasses vary in their re-
(for 1 vertical) moved. A significant break in slope sistance to the flow of water. The
48 12 makes a point of division between stems and leaves of the grass bend
44 11 reaches. The entrance point of a and oscillate under the influence
40
36
10
9
tributary — where the watershed is
of the velocity and the depth of
32 8
significantly increased — is also a
flow. This flow can be predicted by
29 7 natural point of division between the Manning equation, which is
24 6 reaches. By using the drainage area given and explained later in this
Not crossable foreach reach and calculating the publication.
20 5 peak flow, one can design the Flow resistance is expressed in
16 4 waterway according to the reaches.
12 3
the Manning equation as the
During construction, the slope and roughness coefficient or n value.
8 2
4 1
shape of each reach is gradually Research published by the Soil
adjusted to that of the next reach. Conservation Service (1954) relates
* The equation for this relationship is: side
slope = T/ 4 d the n value in the Manning equa-
Shape tion to the product, VR; that is,
The cross-sectional shape of the the velocity, V, multiplied by the
waterway should be parabolic a — hydraulic radius, R. These factors
shape in nature generally found to are related by a family of curves
Table 4. Allowable Velocities for be suitable for a stable channel and having different values of retar-
Grassed Waterways
one in which small flows are least dance. The curves are shown in
likely to meander. The shape allows
Velocity Grass Figure 6. The retardance categories
(feet per second) (condition) easy crossing with farm equipment of A, B, C, D, and E are expressed
if the side slopes at the edge of
Maximum 3 poor for various grasses and grass man-
4 normal the channel are gentler than 5 to agement conditions.
5 special cases of 1, as indicated in Table 3. Shown in
dense sod Figure 5 is a sketch of the para- Waterway Design
Minimum 1.5 velocity required bolic shape. T is the top width in Table 5 is presented here as a
to prevent feet and d the
is maximum depth design table applicable to all gen-
sediment from
in feet occurring at the centerline. eral conditions in Illinois. Its use al-
depositing
The shape is easy to visualize and lows the selection of a top width,
T,and a depth, d, for a parabolic
channel that will carry the flow re-
T
quired. Table 5 gives values of T
and d that have been calculated
using the Manning equation with
two selected values of retardance,
^S. ^0.50d
"
T
-o
n
0.75d

B and D, as described below.

^'^
++*^ T ^^0
For the purpose of checking the
stability of the channel, a retar- 0.5T
^
dance class of D has been used to
maximum 0.7T
calculate the velocity ^
normally expected to occur in that
channel. The extreme left column
of Table 5 gives values for the rate Figure 5. Configuration of a parabolic waterway.

of flow, Q, in cubic feet per sec-

ond. The top width, T, and the
Subsurface Drainage line of the waterway. Tiling pro-
depth, d, are given for each value
A drainageway that is normally vides adequate drainage and also
of channel slope, S, of a parabolic
wet should be tiled before a good reduces erosion of the backfill ma-
channel that will carry the flow, Q,
grassed waterway can be estab- terials in the tile drain. The size of
given in the left column. At the
lished. The design of the waterway the tile must be such that the tiling
top of each column is the value of
should therefore include the tile not only drains the waterway chan-
V 1; which is the maximum flow ve-
drainage. As shown in Figure 7, the nel effectively, but also fits into the
locity that will occur in this chan-
tile line should be at least 2 feet entire local tile drainage system.
nel for a retardance of D. Note
lower than the center of the con- Such a tile line, located adjacent to
that Table 4 specifies a maximum
structed waterway and at least a waterway, often acts as a tile
allowable velocity of 4 feet per
one-third the width of the water- main, serving other upstream tile
second under normal conditions.
way as measured from the center- lines.
Retardance D is considered appro-
priate for almost all grass mixtures
recommended for use in Illinois
when the waterway is mowed reg- 0.5

ularly and the grass is generally less 0.4

than 6 inches high. 0.3

An additional calculation has
been made for each entry in Table 0.2 A
5 so that the capacity of the chan-
e
be checked. The recom-
nel can
b S^B
mended grass mixtures have a z 0.1
much higher resistance to flow z
C
z 0.08
when the grass is unmowed. Grass <
may then be 12 to 18 inches high, 2 [ I

0.06
at which time retardance B is ap- 0.05
propriate for use. For each flow 0.04 E

rate in Table 5, a value of V2 is

0.03
shown, which is always smaller
than V v The value of V 2 is the av- 0.02
erage flow velocity in the given 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.40.50.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 20

channel as calculated by the Man- VR, PRODUCT OF VELOCITY AND HYDRAULIC RADIUS
ning equation using retardance B.
The channel must be, and is, able
Figure Roughness factor, n, for the Manning equation as related to velocity, V, hy-
6.
to carry the flow when the lower and retardance. (Reprinted from U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Hand-
draulic radius, R,
velocity, V 2 occurs. (See Table 6.)
, book of channel design for soil and water conservation, SCS-TP-61, 1966.)
10

Table 5. Design Table for Parabolic Grassed Waterways

Slope, % 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.0 1.25 1.50 15

V„ fps V, 2.5 V, 2.5 V, 3.0 V, 3.0 V, 3.0 V, 3.0
Q, cfs T d d d T d T d T d V2 T i

15 8 1.9 9 1.7 1.5 7

20 9 2.0 1.6 10 1.8 12 1.6 1.6 9
25 11 2.6 1.4 10 2.3 1.7 11 2.0 1.7 13 1.8 15 1.6 1.6 11
30 12 2.5 1.5 11 2.3 1.8 13 1.9 1.8 15 1.7 17 1.6 1.6 14
35 14 2.5 1.5 13 2.2 1.8 15 1.9 1.8 17 1.7 20 1.6 1.7 16

40 12 3.6 1.4 16 2.5 1.5 15 2.2 1.8 17 1.9 1.8 20 1.7 23 1.6 1.7 18
45 13 3.5 1.4 18 2.4 1.5 17 2.2 1.9 19 1.9 1.8 22 1.7 26 1.6 1.7 20
50 15 3.4 1.5 20 2.4 1.5 18 2.2 1.9 21 1.9 1.9 25 1.7 29 1.6 1.7 22
55 16 3.4 1.5 22 2.4 1.6 20 2.2 1.9 23 1.9 1.9 27 1.7 32 1.6 1.7 24
60 18 3.4 1.5 24 2.4 1.6 22 2.2 1.9 25 1.9 1.9 29 1.7 34 1.5 1.7 26

65 19 3.3 1.6 26 2.4 1.6 24 2.1 1.9 28 1.9 1.9 32 1.7 37 1.5 1.7 28
70 20 3.3 1.6 28 2.4 1.6 25 2.1 1.9 30 1.9 1.9 34 1.7 40 1.5 1.7 31
75 22 3.3 1.6 30 2.4 1.6 27 2.1 1.9 32 1.9 1.9 37 1.7 43 1.5 1.7 33
80 23 3.3 1.6 32 2.4 1.6 29 2.1 1.9 34 1.9 1.9 39 1.7 46 1.5 1.7 35
90 26 3.3 1.6 36 2.4 1.6 33 2.1 1.9 38 1.9 1.9 44 1.7 51 1.5 1.7 39

100 29 3.2 1.6 40 2.3 1.6 36 2.1 1.9 42 1.9 1.9 49 1.7 57 1.5 1.7 43
110 31 3.2 1.6 44 2.3 1.6 40 2.1 1.9 46 1.9 1.9 53 1.7 62 1.5 1.7 48
120 35 3.2 1.6 48 2.3 1.6 43 2.1 2.0 50 1.9 1.9 58 1.7 68 1.5 1.7 52
130 37 3.2 1.6 52 2.3 1.6 47 2.1 2.0 54 1.9 1.9 63 1.7 73 1.5 1.7 56
140 40 3.2 1.7 55 2.3 1.6 50 2.1 2.0 59 1.9 1.9 68 1.7 79 1.5 1.7 60
150 43 3.2 1.7 59 2.3 1.6 54 2.1 2.0 63 1.9 1.9 72 1.7 85 1.5 1.7 65

160 45 3.2 1.7 63 2.3 1.6 57 2.1 2.0 67 1.9 1.9 77 1.7 90 1.5 1.7 69 1.i

170 48 3.2 1.7 67 2.3 1.6 61 2.1 2.0 71 1.9 1.9 82 1.7 96 1.5 1.7 73 1..

180 51 3.2 1.7 71 2.3 1.6 65 2.1 2.0 75 1.9 1.9 87 1.7 101 1.5 1.7 77 1.!

190 54 3.2 1.7 75 2.3 1.6 68 2.1 2.0 79 1.9 1.9 91 1.7 107 1.5 1.7 82 1.

200 59 3.2 1.7 79 2.3 1.6 72 2.1 2.0 83 1.9 1.9 96 1.7 112 1.5 1.7 86 1.

220 62 3.2 1.7 87 2.3 1.6 79 2.1 2.0 91 1.9 1.9 106 1.7 123 1.5 1.7 94 1.

240 68 3.2 1.7 94 2.3 1.6 86 2.1 2.0 99 1.9 1.9 115 1.7 134 1.5 1.7 103 1.

260 73 3.2 1.7 102 2.3 1.6 93 2.1 2.0 108 1.9 1.9 124 1.7 145 1.5 1.7 111 1.

280 79 3.2 1.7 110 2.3 1.6 100 2.1 2.0 114 1.9 1.9 134 1.7 156 1.5 1.7 120 1.(

300 84 3.2 1.7 118 2.3 1.6 109 2.1 2.0 124 1.9 1.9 143 1.7 167 1.5 1.7 128 I.I

Source: Soil Conservation Service, Engineering field manual, 1969.

Note: Given is the top width, T, in feet; the maximum depth, d, in feet; the range of slope, S, percent; and the range of flow, Q, in cubic
feet per second. Given also is the maximum velocity, V 1( that will occur in the waterway, in feet per second, calculated for a retardance of
D; and the minimum velocity, V 2 that will occur, in feet per second, calculated for a retardance of B.
,

Entries in the table outside the shaded section will have side slopes at the edge that are greater than 1, vertical, and 6, horizontal. See
Table 3. These slopes are not readily crossable with farm machinery. If crossability is desired, a different T and d should be calculated on the
basis of the equations provided.
 11

2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0

V, 3.5 V, 3.5 V, 4.0 Vt 4.0 V, 4.0 V, 4.0 V, 4.0
T d T d T d V 2 T d V2 T d T d T d V2

1 1.8 8 1.6 1.8 10 1.2 1.7 9 1 2 2.1 11 1.0 2.0 12 1.0 2.0 14 0.8 1.9 16 0.8 1.9
1 2.0 10 1.5 1.9 14 1.2 1.8 12 1 2 2.1 14 1.0 2.0 16 1.0 2.0 18 0.8 1.9 21 0.8 1.9
1 2.0 13 1.5 2.0 17 1.2 1.8 15 1 2 2.1 18 1.0 2.1 19 1.0 2.0 23 0.8 2.0 26 0.8 1.9
1 2.1 15 1.5 2.0 20 1.2 1.8 18 1 1 2.1 21 1.0 2.1 24 1.0 2.0 27 0.8 2.0 31 0.8 1.9
1 2.1 18 1.5 2.0 24 1.2 1.8 21 1 1 2.1 24 1.0 2.1 27 1.0 2.0 32 0.8 2.0 36 0.8 1.9

U 2.1 20 1.5 2.0 27 1.2 1.8 24 1 1 2.2 28 1.0 2.1 31 1.0 2.0 36 0.8 2.0 41 0.8 1.9
1. 2.1 23 1.5 2.0 30 1.2 1.8 27 1 1 2.2 31 1.0 2.1 35 1.0 2.0 41 0.8 2.0 45 0.8 1.9
I, 2.2 25 1.5 2.0 34 1.2 1.8 30 1 1 2.2 35 1.0 2.1 38 1.0 2.0 45 0.8 2.0 51 0.8 1.9
1. 2.2 28 1.5 2.0 37 1.2 1.8 33 1 1 2.2 38 1.0 2.1 42 1.0 2.0 49 0.8 2.0 56 0.8 1.9
1. 2.2 30 1.5 2.0 40 1.2 1.9 36 1 1 2.2 41 1.0 2.1 46 1.0 2.0 54 0.8 2.0 61 0.8 1.9

1.| 2.2 33 1.5 2.0 43 1.2 1.9 39 1 1 2.2 45 1.0 2.1 50 1.0 2.0 58 0.8 2.0 66 0.8 1.9
I.I 2.2 35 1.5 2.1 47 1.2 1.9 42 1 1 2.2 48 1.0 2.1 53 1.0 2.1 62 0.8 2.0 71 0.8 1.9
1.1 2.2 37 1.5 2.1 50 1.2 1.9 45 1 1 2.2 51 1.0 2.1 57 1.0 2.1 67 0.8 2.0 76 0.8 1.9
lj 2.2 40 1_5 2.1 53 1.2 1.9 48 1 1 2.2 55 1.0 2.1 61 1.0 2.1 71 0.8 2.0 81 0.8 1.9
1( 2.2 45 1.5 2.1 60 1.2 1.9 54 1. 1 2.2 62 1.0 2.1 68 1.0 2.1 80 0.8 2.0 91 0.8 2.0

It 2.2 50 1.5 2.1 66 1.2 1.9 60 1. 1 2.2 68 1.0 2.1 76 1.0 2.1 88 0.8 2.0 100 0.8 2.0
1. 2.2 55 1.5 2.1 73 1.2 1.9 65 1. 1 2.2 75 1.0 2.1 83 1.0 2.1 97 0.8 2.0 110 0.8 2.0
I 2.2 59 1.5 2.1 79 1.2 1.9 71 1. 1 2.2 81 1.0 2.2 90 1.0 2.1 105 0.8 2.0 120 0.8 2.0
1.6 2.2 64 1.5 2.1 86 1.2 1.9 77 1. 1 2.2 88 1.0 2.2 98 1.0 2.1 114 0.8 2.0 129 0.8 2.0
li 2.2 69 1.5 2.1 92 1.2 1.9 83 1. 1 2.2 95 1.0 2.2 105 1.0 2.1 122 0.8 2.0 139 0.8 2.0
1,1 2.2 74 1.5 2.1 99 1.2 1.9 89 1. 1 2.2 101 1.0 2.2 112 1.0 2.1 131 0.8 2.0 148 0.8 2.0

1 2.2 79 1.5 2.1 105 1.2 1.9 94 1. 1 2.2 108 1.0 2.2 119 1.0 2.1 139 0.9 2.0 158 0.8 2.0
E 2.2 84 1.5 2.1 111 1.2 1.9 100 1. 1 2.2 114 1.0 2.2 126 1.0 2.1 147 0.9 2.0 167 0.8 2.0
IS; 2.2 88 1.5 2.1 118 1.2 1.9 106 1. 1 2.2 121 1.0 2.2 134 1.0 2.1 156 0.9 2.0 177 0.8 2.0
li 2.2 93 1.5 2.1 124 1.2 1.9 111 1. 1 2.2 127 1.0 2.2 141 1.0 2.1 164 0.9 2.0 186 0.8 2.0
1 2.2 98 1.5 2.1 130 1.2 1.9 117 1. 1 2.2 134 1.0 2.2 148 1.0 2.1 172 0.9 2.0 195 0.8 2.0

li 2.2 108 1.5 2.1 143 1.2 1.9 129 1. 1 2.2 147 1.0 2.2 162 1.0 2.1 189 0.9 2.0 214 0.8 2.0
li 2.2 117 1.5 2.1 156 1.2 1.9 140 1. 1 2.2 160 1.0 2.2 177 1.0 2.1 206 0.9 2.1 233 0.8 2.0
1.6 2.2 127 1.5 2.1 169 1.2 1.9 152 1. 1 2.2 173 1.0 2.2 191 1.0 2.1 222 0.9 2.1 252 0.8 2.0
.6 2.2 136 1.5 2.1 181 1.2 1.9 163 1. 1 2.2 186 1.0 2.2 205 1.0 2.1 239 0.9 2.1 270 0.8 2.0
.6 2.2 146 1.5 2.1 194 1.2 1.9 174 1. 1 2.2 198 1.0 2.2 219 1.0 2.1 255 0.9 2.1 289 0.8 2.0
12

CONSTRUCTION

Methods
Remove all brush and rocks
larger than 6 inches in diameter
and bury them elsewhere, not be-
neath the waterway.
Drive centerline stakes to mark
the intended waterway. Using off-
set stakes will help maintain
planned grades and aid in checking
construction. If the subsoil in this
region will not support the growth
of grass, remove the topsoil from
the waterway and stockpile it
nearby, out of the way.
Figure 7. Minimum spacing for a tile drain beneath a grassed waterway. Shape the waterway to the de-
sign grade and parabolic cross sec-
tion. Fill the gullies gradually. Pack
the fill to prevent settling in the
future. Be conscious of safety
when operating the equipment. Do
Table 6 . Grass Seeding Mixtures Suitable Throughout Illinois
not drive too near the edge of a
Wet, steep gully. Spread the stockpiled
Number Grasses
Rate,
pounds part
all or
,
w
.
,,

, Retardance topsoil evenly over the surface of

T drained
per acre of year the shaped waterway.
Recommended mixtures
Frequently measure the width,
1 Smooth bromegrass 10 X X B
depth, and grade of the waterway to
Tall fescue 20 be sure it complies with the design
These conditions are important:
2* Smooth bromegrass 25 X B
Timothy 5
1. Centerline elevations must be
Redtop 2 as planned so that a uniform grade
is maintained.

3 Reed canarygrass 15 X X B 2. Depth at a distance of one-

Tall fescue 10
fourth of the top width from the
Redtop 2
center should change from d to
4 Tall fescue 20 X B 0.75 d. (See Figure 5.)
Redtop 4 3. Edges should be feathered
into the adjacent topography out-
5* Redtop 10 X C
side the design cross section. The
Special purpose mixtures final shaping of the waterway sur-
6* Reed canarygrass 20 X A face critical. The surface must be
is

Timothy or redtop 5 smooth because small mounds or

For very wet, swampy conditions holes will create local flow veloci-
destroy the waterway
ties that will
7 Kentucky bluegrass 40 X C by erosion. All changes in grade
For urban setting, full sun from one reach to the next should
be smooth and gentle.
8 Kentucky bluegrass 5 X X B
Red Fescue 25 If a waterway is improperly con-
For urban setting, partly shaded structed so that it has a nonuni-

* In
form grade or an incorrect cross-
addition to controlling erosion in the waterway, these three mixtures will also provide
cover for some species of desirable w ildlife. sectional shape, it is likely to be
unstable and to erode rapidly.
 13

ESTABLISHMENT OF GRASS

Importance The disk anchors the mulch by

Probably the single most impor- pushing it into the soil surface.
tant condition in establishing a Disking should be at right angles to
grassed waterway is that the grass the flow of water in the waterway.
be planted immediately after earth-
moving is completed. If the grass is Seed Mixture
not established quickly, the bare There are six grasses that are
earth of the channel will be well adapted to conditions in Illi-

eroded. This erosion will change nois and make desirable vegetative
the shape of the waterway, de- covers in waterways.
stroying its efficiency and often re- fescue is a moderately win-
Tall
quiring that the waterway be re- ter-hardy grass that makes a good
built. vegetative cover. It is a bunch
grass,but the leaves "shingle
Seedbed down" when water flows over
seedings of grass require a
All them, thus protecting the soil. It

moist, firm seedbed containing has been grown successfully in all

plenty of available plant food. Be- parts of the state but is particularly

gin by testing the soil and applying suited to southern Illinois. In fact it

the fertilizer and lime as needed to is superior to other grasses in that

build up the soil and establish the area. Tall fescue grows best on fer-

grass. (See Table 7.) tile, well-drained soil, but if well

The seedbed should be worked fertilized, it will also flourish on

to thoroughly incorporate the lime low-fertility soils and on fine-tex-
and fertilizer to a minimum depth tured soils that drain slowly. Seeds
of 3 inches. A small disk and har- germinate readily and seedlings
row are practical tools for prepar- grow rapidly, thus establishing a
ing the seedbed. Seed with a quick cover. Unfortunately, tall fes-
double corrugated roller seeder, cue is not a grass that attracts wild-
pressing the seed into the firm life.

seedbed to a depth of Va to Vi Smooth bromegrass is a very

inch. Coverage of Y\b to Va inch is winter-hardy, aggressive, sod-form-
ideal. Seed across the waterway, ing grass, popular in northern and
not up and down. If a grain drill is central Illinois. When well estab-

used for seeding, take care to seed lished, it gives good protection to

shallow, and definitely seed across a waterway channel. Smooth brome-

the waterway. The seeded water- grass is also desirable because it at-

way should be mulched with straw tracts pheasants for nesting and

at the rate of 2,000 pounds per

acre. The straw will help to pre-
vent erosion and to retain mois- Table 7. Fertilizers for Establishing
ture, thus ensuring the maximum Grass
rate of germination. It will also
Minimum
help protect the young seedlings Element application,
from drying out by providing some pounds per acre
shade and reducing excessive loss
of water from the plants by evapo-
Nitrogen, N 120 (nitrogen)

transpiration.
Phosphorus, P 120 (P 2 O s)

Potassium, K 120 (K 2 0)
The mulch may be anchored by
using mulch netting or by disking
with a dull disk that is set straight.
14

roosting. It does best on fertile,

well-drained soils. Southern strains

are recommended for use in this

state because they grow more pro-
fusely through the warm months of
summer than do northern strains.
Timothy and redtop are two
grasses well suited to waterway
seedings in all parts of Illinois al-
though they are not as deep
rooted as the other three recom-
mended grasses. Although Timothy
isa bunch grass, dense populations
make it a suitable soil-protective
cover. Redtop makes a good turf
quickly and grows under a wide
range of soil and climatic condi-
tions. It does best on fertile soil
but grows fairly well under
droughty conditions, on wet soils,
on moderately acid soils, and on
soils low in fertility. Timothy, like
redtop, has been widely adapted,
but it requires somewhat more fer-
tile soil and does not grow as well
on wet soil or during hot, dry
weather. For secondary reasons,
both timothy and redtop are very
desirable grasses: they attract wild-
life, especially ground-nesting birds.
Reed canarygrass is a long-lived,
sod-forming, very winter-hardy pe-
rennial that produces an excellent
growth droughty and wet areas.
in
It is useful in waterways that re-

main too wet and marshy for other

grasses to thrive in. The wet,
marshy waterway has to be pre-
pared and seeded, however, when
the soil is dry, usually in the late
summer. Reed canarygrass can be
Figure 8. Plant suitability zones of Illinois. These broad zones are based on certain plant-
seeded in the same manner as growth factors including average January-July temperatures, frost-free days, and annual
other grasses. New seed should be rainfall. The zones are used as a guide in selecting grasses, legumes, shrubs, trees, and
vines for planting. (Reprinted from U.S. Soil Conservation Service, Technical guide for
used, as old seed does not germi-
Illinois, section l-B, plant suitability zone map. Champaign, Illinois, January, 1982.)
nate well. An alternative method is

to take rootstocks from an estab-

lished stand, chop them, spread
&<* KM9"f V*t
them with a manure spreader, and
disk them into the soil. Be sure to
disk across the channel. Pheasants
and ducks will sometimes nest in
reed canarygrass.
fOOfcl Vjag |riy*flVI* W N4T A%.£A$
 15

Kentucky bluegrass grows best in the fall; so the choice may de-
on fertile soils in central and pend on the most practical time
northern Illinois, where it has been for preparing the waterway.
used extensively in waterways. It is Plant suitability zones for Illinois

not as deep rooted as the other are shown in Figure 8. Table 8 con-
grasses already mentioned and tains the recommended planting
therefore is not as desirable. Pres- dates for grasses in each zone.
ent practices omit bluegrass from
the seeding mixture. On fertile Temporary Cover
soils it will naturally invade stands If the waterway is completed in

of other grasses, especially they

if midsummer, plant one of the tem-
are closely mowed or thinned. porary cover grasses given in Table
Kentucky bluegrass is attractive to 9 because this is not the best time

wildlife. to plant the permanent grasses

Seed mixtures of the grasses listed in Tabletemporary
6. Let this

mentioned above are listed in cover grow until the proper seed-
Table seeding is done in the
6. If ing date for the permanent grass
spring, a nurse crop
add one — mixture. Then disk up the tempo-
bushel of oats per acre to the — rary cover, prepare a good seedbed
grass seed mixture given in Table 6. as described, and establish the per-
If the seeding is done in the fall, manent seeding.
add 20 pounds per acre of wheat
or rye. These small-grain crops
provide a quick vegetative growth
movement and
that retards soil
Table 8. Planting Dates for Grass in
does not compete excessively with Illinois
the waterway's mixture seedlings,
provided the small-grain seeding Plant
suitability Planting dates
rates are held within the suggested
zone*
limits.
Before June 1

August 1 to September 1
Time of Year
Waterways should be seeded in Before May 15

early spring or late summer. Late

August 1 to September 10
summer is usually preferable in Before May 15
southern and central Illinois, August 1 to September 20
whereas spring seeding is more de- * According to Figure 8.
sirable in the northern part of the
state.
Late summer seedings are not as
likely to be washed out as the ear- Table 9. Temporary Cover for a
lier ones. Because soils are usually Waterway Completed in
Midsummer*
dry, they will absorb more rainfall,
thus reducing runoff and erosion. Rate,
Weed growth is less profuse in late Seed pounds
summer seedings. The cool, moist per acre
conditions of early fall and early
Sudangrass 30
spring enable plants to establish Shelled corn 250
deep root systems and an abun- Sorghum 20
dant vegetative cover. Some farm-
* Use only one cover.
ers are successful with spring seed-
ings, whereas others are successful
 9

16

DESIGN EXAMPLE

Problem Figure 3 gives the peak flow

4. This indicates that the waterway
Design a grassed waterway given for watersheds of moderate slope will have side slopes at the edge
the following set of conditions: and RCN of 70. At a watershed that are more gentle than 1 on 6.

Location: McLean County area of 145 acres and a rainfall of The waterway then be cross-
will

Watershed: dominated by Catlin 4.4 inches (interpolate between the able with farm machinery. (See

Silt Loam —
a dark-colored, curves shown for 4 inches and 5 Table 3.)

well-drained soil
inches), the peak flow is read as 7. According to Table 6, grass
110 cfs. This solution is indicated mixture number 1 is appropriate
Drainage: 145 acres, moderately
sloping, largely farmed on the by the broken line in Figure 3. for well-drained Catlin soil and will

contour, using conservation til- 5. Table 4 indicates that the consist of (1) smooth bromegrass,

lage maximum allowable velocity for 10 pounds per acre, and (2) tall fes-
normal grass conditions 4.0 fps. cue, 20 pounds per acre.
Slope of the waterway reach: 2.0 is

percent To determine the dimensions

6.
8. Figure 8 indicates that Mc-
of the waterway, consult Table 5.
Lean County is located in Plant
Step-by-Step Solution Suitability Zone
For a slope of 2.0 percent and a Q
II.

1. Table 1 indicates that Catlin of 110 cfs, the waterway width, T, 9. These planting dates for Plant
soil is in Hydrologic Group B. is 55 feet, and waterway depth, d,
Suitability Zone II are given in Ta-
To find the runoff curve
2. is 1.5 feet. Vi is 3.5 fps, which is
ble 8: (1) before May 15 or (2) from
number (RCN), use Table 2. For below the maximum allowable ve- August 1 to September 10.

cultivated farmland using many locity of 4.0 fps. V2 is 2.1 fps, Construction work can then be
conservation practices, RCN is 71. which is greater than the 1.5 fps contracted and carried out when
Use RCN of 70, the nearest value minimum velocity needed to pre- appropriate. After construction is
in the peak flow graphs. vent sediment deposition. (See complete, the fertilizer (see Table
According to the map in Fig-
3. Table 4.) 7) can be applied, the seedbed
ure 1, the 24-hour rainfall with a The dimensions of the waterway prepared, and seeding carried out
10-year recurrence interval for (T, 55 feet, and d, 1.5 feet) appear according to the selected planting
McLean County is 4.4 inches. in the shaded section of Table 5. dates.

Table 10. Calculations for Trial-and-Error Design of Special 'roblem Example

by Use of Equations

Retar- Trial Actual

d T T/d A R Comments
dance n V VR n Q
1.9' 59 31.1 75.1 c 1.27 d C 0.09 1.9
e
2.41 0.052' Try again: actual
n differs from
trial n
54 b 33.8 57. 1.07 d
C
1.6 C 0.06 2.6 2.78 0.05 151*
1.5 52 35.6 52.3 1.01 C 0.05 3.0 3.03 0.047 157 d = 1.5, suitable
for retardance C
D 0.04 3.8 3.84 0.038 199 Suitable also
for retardance D
' For trial n = 0.09
b
Derived from equation (7)
c
Derived from equation (6)
d
Derived from equations (3) and (4)
e
Derived from equation (1)
1
Derived from Figure 6
g Derived from equation (5)
 17

DESIGN BY USE OF EQUATIONS

Need Hydraulic Equations to Be Used The cross-sectional area, A, of a

Table 5 provides a simplified de- Given below are the hydraulic parabolic channel can be calculated
sign procedure applicable to nor- equations that may be used in de- as follows:
mal conditions in Illinois. There are signing a grassed waterway. The A = 0.67 T d (6)
cases, however, when the assump- principal one is the Manning equa- For any parabolic channel, as
tions used in compiling Table 5 do tion for open channel flow: shown in Figure 5, the top widths
not apply. For example, they do Ti and T 2 are related to the depths
not apply to the following cases: V = ^^ R n
067
S°
5
(1) d, and d 2 as follows:
• To an urban setting in which TV d,
where
Kentucky bluegrass with a re-
tardance of C is planted. (See
V = average flow velocity in feet v"* (7)

per second or
Table 6.)
n = roughness coefficient T2 = T 1 (d 2 /d 1 )°-
5
= T Vd 2 /d
1 1
• To a draw or waterway left
R = hydraulic radius in feet
bare of vegetation and not Special Problem
S = slope of channel bed in feet
farmed, perhaps because the
per foot Design a grassed waterway for
soil will not support grass.
The hydraulic radius, R, can be cal- the following agricultural setting:
• To a sandy soil that is highly
culated approximately as: Conditions: (a) Calculated peak
erodible. The allowable veloci-
flow of 140 cfs for
ties given in Table 4 may be R = A/T (2)
design Q.
too high for this soil. where
A = area of cross section in (b) Slope of 1.0 per-
• To a waterway design with di-
square feet cent for the
mensions that appear outside
T = top width of channel in feet reach of the
the shaded section in Table 5.
The hydraulic radius, R, can be cal- waterway.
Such a waterway would have
culated more accurately by: Solution: According to Table 5,
side slopes that cannot be
the width, T, is 59 feet,
crossed with farm machinery. If
R = A/wp (3) and the depth, d, is 1.9
this noncrossability is not ac- where feet.
ceptable, then a waterway of wp = wetted perimeter of the
different dimensions can be channel bed in feet, this This design is based on retardance
designed by using the equa- being the width of channel D and B.V„ maximum velocity, is
tions.
bed actually wetted by the 3.0 fps, and V minimum velocity,
2,

• To a more conservative design water is 1.9 fps.

than that provided by Table 5, The wetted perimeter of the bed Adapt the waterway design to an
required because the value of of a parabolic channel may be cal- urban setting where space is at a
the property is unusually high. culated by: minimum.
• To a waterway swale or
in a Solution: Since the waterway will
d2
swampy area where the spe- wp = T + 0.67— (4) be kept well mowed,
cial-purpose reed canarygrass retardance B is too
will be used. Because this grass where high. Use retardance C
is extremely thick in wet areas, d = center depth of the para- and D instead.
it has a retardance of A, as bolic channel in feet, as
Solutions are given in Table 10.
shown in Table 6.
shown in Figure 5.

• To values of flow,
The flow can be calculated by:
Q, or slope,
S, beyond the range given in Q = AV (5)
Table 5. where
However, the hydraulic equations Q = flow in cubic feet per sec-
used to compile Table 5 can be ond
used to calculate the dimensions of A = cross-sectional area in square
a waterway even if the assumptions feet
are different. (See the next sec- V = flow velocity in feet per sec-
tion.) ond
MAINTENANCE

Repair made in the sod will endanger the

A grassed waterway cannot be waterway. Controlling burrowing
kept in good repair without regu- rodents such as groundhogs and
lar attention. This is especially true moles is also important.
if it carries a large volume of water
or is located on a steep slope. Sod- Double Channeling from
ding or reseeding small breaks in Improper Plowing
the sod, fastening down any loos- Plowing a field in which a
ened sod, and sloping back and grassed waterway has been estab-
sodding small overfalls are some lished requires special care. The
ways to avoid having to make ex- plow must, of course, be lifted
tensive repairs later. Grassed water- when the waterway is being
ways should receive an annual ap- crossed. Since a plow moves for-
plication of about 30 pounds per ward several feet while the bot-
acre of actual nitrogen. Phosphate toms are being raised, the lift must
and potash should be applied at be tripped an ample distance from
the same rate (and time, if conve- the edge of the waterway. The
nient) as the crop to be grown in plow should be lifted along the
the rest of the field. edge of the waterway so as to stag-
Never use a waterway as a road. ger the furrows. Such slight stag-
The ruts or breaks that will be gering forms a jagged rather than a

Grassed waterway as built

Deposited soil Erosive channel

After a few years: double channeling caused by improper plowing

Sediment deposit

""^-Original channel

After a few years: double channeling caused by sedimentation

Figure 9. A grassed waterway can be destroyed when sediment is deposited at the edges
or in the waterway. Erosive channels are formed, which prevent runoff water from reach-
ing the waterway.

smooth edge and, by directing the
flow of the water into the water-
way, tends to prevent the forma-
tion of a channel at the side.
In no case should an open fur-
row be left along the edge, parallel
to the waterway. The furrow acts as
a small channel at the edge of the
waterway that will begin to erode
rapidly. This situation is illustrated
in Figure 9. At the top
the is
waterway as built. The lower
sketch shows erosive channels that
have formed at the edges of the
waterway. These channels prevent
water from entering the waterway
and subsequently destroy it.
Double Channeling from
Waterway Sedimentation
Even when a waterway is prop-
erly maintained, it will gradually
lose capacitybecause of sedimen-
tation.Poor management of the
contributing watershed, along with
excessive erosion, will accelerate
this effect. As shown in Figure
this aggradation will create chan-
nels on each side of the waterway.
When such double channeling oc-
curs, the original channel may be-
come impossible to maintain and
may need reshaping and revegeta-
tion. Very often when sedimenta-
tion occurs, reshaping the channel
will require removal of the sedi-
ment. Quite frequently the sedi-
ment can be used in local depres-
sions to alleviate some existing
drainage problems.
Mowing
Waterways dominated by tall fes-
cue should be mowed regularly to
maintain a thick, vigorous turf. Tall
fescue that is mowed infrequently
tends to become clumpy; water
will begin to meander in a
around the clumps, eventually ren-
dering the waterway ineffective.
Waterways dominated by sod-
19
forming grasses such as smooth
bromegrass, reed canarygrass, and
redtop should be mowed to en-
courage a dense sod and to con-
trol the invasion of weeds and
brush. These grasses have growth
characteristics beneficial to wildlife.
The timing of the mowing is cru-
cially related both to the lifespan
of the waterway and the existence
of wildlife.The waterway must be
mowed in early spring, before corn
planting time (early May), because
short grass effectively reduces the
deposition of sediment, thereby
prolonging the life of the water-
way. Mowing is necessary at this
time to prevent the grass from
trapping the sediment that results
from spring rain. But ground-nest-
ing birds, which begin laying in
mid-May, will not be attracted to
the short grass cover. In any case,
they will be disturbed at this time
by the implement traffic related to
seedbed preparation and the plant-
ing of crops. However, if the sec-
9,
ond mowing does not occur be-
fore August 1, the grass will grow
long enough in late May and June
to attract those birds that have not
yet found a nesting site. They can
thus nest undisturbed before the
next mowing (in August). Fall re-
growth may later provide desirable
roosting cover for birds such as
pheasants.
Mowing is best accomplished
with a rotary chopper type of
mower that shreds the clippings. If
a sickle-bar type of mower is used,
the clippings should be raked and
removed.
Herbicides
Control broadleaved weeds in
the waterway with herbicides so
that the grass can thrive. If you are
channel using grass herbicides for the adja-
cent crop, be sure to shut off the
applicator when crossing the
waterway.
20

RELATED IDEAS

Livestock Waste Disposal Sediment Filters Design Using Tractive Force

Research carried out in Illinois
and reported by Vanderholm et al.
(1979) evaluates the use of grass
ters(which are similar to grassed
waterways) for assimilating livestock
wastes. Filters were built for this
purpose at several locations in Illi-
nois and have been operating for
several years. These filters seem to
work for small livestock feedlots
only.The filter area needed is ap-
proximately one to two times the
feedlot area. Of the grasses
planted, reed canarygrass seems to
be the most promising. Smooth
bromegrass and orchardgrass were
also tested and appear suitable.
Runoff from feedlots must pass
through a settling basin where sol-
ids that otherwise might damage
When sediment-laden water runs
off a slope and enters a grassed
fil- area, the sediment will be depos-
ited in the grass. This fact has been
widely noted. As described in this
circular,the deposition of such
sediment will destroy the useful-
ness of a grassed waterway. Conse-
quently, the watershed should be
managed and the waterway de-
signed so that sediment will not
deposit in the grass.
Considerable research has been
done to evaluate the capability of a
grass filter strip for collecting sedi-
ment in amounts that will not de-
stroy the usefulness of the filter.
Under such conditions the grass
able to tolerate the sediment and
continues to grow upward
Personnel of the Agricultural Re-
search Service have explored the
idea of designing grassed water-
ways on the principle of tractive
force rather than on the maximum
allowable velocity as described in
this publication. The tractive force
of water flowing in a channel is the
drag or shear force exerted on the
wetted channel bed from the
weight of the water and the inertia
of the water as it flows downhill in
the channel.
Temple (1980) has developed and
described the theory and use of
tractive force for designing grassed
waterways. He illustrates the steps
is required for such a design. The
design requires iterative steps, that
is, solutions that must be worked

the grass in the filter are depos-
ited. These settled solids must be
removed from the basin periodi-
cally. When the filter is in opera-
tion, the grass needs to be mowed
regularly.
Research studies show that the
through it. out many times before the best an-
Barfield and Hayes (1980) have swer can be found. For this reason,
described the modeling of a sedi- a computer program is necessary
ment filter. Their research involves and is included in Temple's de-
the hydraulics of water flow, the scription.
hydraulics of the grasses, and the The tractive force methodology
physical laws of sediment transport. for designing grassed waterways is

most effective configuration was a
sheet flow (overland flow) situation
where inflowing water was distrib-
uted onto the filter as a shallow
film. In such a situation, the filter
strip must be smooth so as to
maintain the overland flow, and it
must slope gently to keep flow ve-
locities low. Channelized configura-
tions have also been successfully
used, but more experience is
needed with these before they will
be considered acceptable.
Design criteria are being devel-
oped so that these filters might be
constructed in Illinois. At present,
state pollution control agencies,
conservation agencies, and the
University of Illinois are collaborat-
ing on the design standards. Spe-
cific criteria are approved and
available on request.
A prototype has been constructed an improvement over methods us-
at an agricultural experiment sta- ing maximum allowable velocity.
tion research plot, demonstrating The theory an improved
reflects
sediment runoff and its filtration understanding of the complicated
by a grass filter. A description of interaction of hydraulic forces in-
this prototype has been published volved in channel flow. It offers an
by Hayes, Barfield, and Barnhisel opportunity for continued im-
(1979). provement in the design of grassed
Because of the research de- waterways. It does not, however,
scribed above, a grass filter to col- invalidate the methods described
lect sediment can now be de- in this publication, which still rep-
signed, provided enough resent current design practice.
information is available on the na-
ture of the eroded sediment, the
soil properties, the grass proper-
ties, and the interrelated hydraulic
functions. Specific design criteria
for sediment filter strips in Illinois
are under development.
 21

REFERENCES

Barfield, B. J., and J. C. Hayes. Temple, M. 1980. Tractive force

1980. Modeling sediment filtra- design of vegetated channels.
tion by vegetativefilters. In Wa- Transactions of the American So-
tershed management, 1980. Irri- ciety of Agricultural Engineers
gation and Drainage Division, 23(4): 884-890.
American Society of Civil Engi- Vanderholm, D. H., E. C. Dickey, J.
neers, New York, pp. 98-113. A. Jackobs, R. W. Elmore, and S.

Hayes, J. C, B. J. Barfield, and R. I. L. Spahr. 1979. Livestock feedlot

Barnhisel. 1979. Filtration of sedi- runoff control by vegetative fil-

ment by simulated vegetation, II. ters.EPA-600/2-79-143. U.S. En-

Unsteady flow with nonhomoge- vironmental Research Agency,
neous sediment. Transactions of Robert S. Kerr Environmental
the American Society of Agricul- Research Laboratory, Ada, Okla-
tural Engineers 22(5): 1063-1067. homa. 66 pages.
Northeastern Illinois Soil Erosion
and Sedimentation Control
Steering Committee. 1981. Pro-
cedures and standards for urban
soil erosion and sedimentation
control, Illinois. Lisle, Illinois.

Schwab, G. O., R. K. Frevert, T. W.

Edminster, and K. K. Barnes.
1981. Soil and water conservation
engineering. 3rd ed. Ch. 7: Vege-
tated waterways. New York: John
Wiley and Sons.
SoilConservation Service. 1983.
Grassed waterway or outlet (412).
Technical guide section IV:
standards and specifications.
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Urbana, Illinois.

1969. Engineering field

manual. Ch. 2: Runoff; ch. 7:

Waterways and outlets. U.S. De-

partment of Agriculture, Wash-
ington, D.C.
1954. Handbook of chan-
nel design for soil and water
conservation. SCS-TP-61. Stillwa-
ter Outdoor Hydraulic Labora-
tory. U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture, Washington, D.C. 34 pages.

'
I
Urbana, Illinois December, 1983
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
WILLIAM R. OSCHWALD, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Illinois Cooperative Extension Service provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
7M— 12-83— 56970— ZMH
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
Q.630.7IL6C C005
CIRCULAR URBANA. ILL.
1225 1983

3 0112 019534475