Database

Raja sedimentation basins, gullies and ditch extensions

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Water bodies	Living environment, Nutrient cycle	Waterbody management

Based on climate models, precipitation is increasing in Estonia, making it necessary to establish and maintain a high quality drainage system and ditching to adapt to climate change. Drainage of wet grasslands ensures grassland productivity, but also creates water-related habitats.

Description of the action

To minimise the negative effects of land reclamation, the drainage system will include sediment basins, gullies and ditches.

Why?

Sediment and suspended sediment entering water bodies degrade habitats, cause eutrophication – the proliferation of algae due to excess nutrients – and oxygen depletion, and can cause blockages. Sedimentation basins, gullies and locks (bulkheads) reduce the transfer of sediment and suspended sediment to natural water bodies. They also increase and diversify aquatic habitats.

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