Many problems occur when rainwater flows through the barnyard. The rainwater becomes contaminated with manure and soil and can cause erosion problems. Filter areas are used in combination with lots of other agricultural best management practices. Filter areas can reduce the amount of nutrients and soil by slowing down the flow of water and using up the excess nutrients in plant growth.

How is it addressed?

The permanent vegetation in filter strips and filter areas are used to reduce sediment transport, nutrients, and other runoff contaminants. The filter area is graded to an even slope so the runoff will not create a gulley. The graded area is seeded and mulched with grasses.

An underground outlet is used to taking contaminated rainwater and deliver it into a filter area (see below).

The outlet pipe from the heavy use area (by the arrow) is emptied into a large filter area. Filter areas can vary greatly in size.

Approximate Cost = $250 per acre

The result is:

• Improved soil quality
• Improved water quality
• Effective distribution of excess water away from the barnyard