Database

Raja sedimentation basins, gullies and ditch diversions

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Forest	Living environment, Nutrient cycle	Drainage

Based on climate models, precipitation is increasing in Estonia, which makes it necessary to establish and maintain a high quality drainage system and ditching to adapt to climate change. Forest drainage ensures forest productivity, faster carbon sequestration in wood, and also creates water-related habitats.

Description of the action

To reduce the negative effects of forest drainage, the drainage system will include sediment basins, gullies and drainage ditches (ditch meanders).

Why?

Sediment and suspended sediment entering water bodies spoil aquatic habitats, cause algae and plant blooms due to excess nutrients and oxygen deficiencies, and can cause blockages. Sedimentation basins, gullies and baffles (ditch fences) reduce the transport of sediment and silt into natural water bodies. They also increase and diversify aquatic habitats.

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