grassed swales

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-012510",
  "term": "grassed swales",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "A term to describe a vegetated, open runoff channel planted with grasses or turf. Similar terms include grassed channel, dry swale, wet swale, biofilter, or bioswale. Such systems are designed to treat and attenuate stormwater runoff. As runoff flows along the channels, the vegetation in the channel promotes filtration, settling, and infiltration of runoff into the underlying soils. The specific design features and methods of treatment differ in each of these designs but are improvements on the traditional drainage ditch. The designs incorporate modified geometry and other features for use of the swale as a treatment and conveyance practice.",
  "subject": "Ecosystems",
  "references": [
    "Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/grassed-swales/"
}