Database

Construct sediment basins, riffles, and ditch expansions.

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Water bodies	Living environment, Nutrient cycle	Water bodies 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 mitigate the negative impacts of drainage, create sediment basins, rapids, and meanders in drainage systems.

Why?

Sediments and suspended particles entering water bodies degrade habitats, cause eutrophication (excess nutrients leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion), and may lead to blockages. Sediment basins, rapids, and meanders (expansions) help reduce sediment and suspended particles from entering natural water bodies. They also enhance and diversify aquatic habitats.