30 



MISC. PUBLICATION 



U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



6. Smoothing of old gullies and the land surface before terrace con- 

 struction is desirable on many tobacco fields. This will give broader 

 bends in the terraces and rows which is especially desirable. 



Terrace Outlets 



Erosion control on tobacco lands in the Maryland and flue-cured 

 belts is increased by the maximum use of terrace outlets. This is due 

 to the high natural erosion hazard on these lands as well as to demands 

 of the crop for well-drained soil throughout its growth. In other 

 respects terrace outlet specifications for these lands are not different 

 than those for other farm land in the areas. Detailed information on 

 terrace outlets and waterways has been published by the United States 

 Department of Agriculture (11) and by the North Carolina Extension 

 Service (6). 



Our experience shows that the following points should be stressed 

 on these tobacco lands: (1) All pronounced drainageways occurring 

 in the tobacco fields should be treated and maintained as terrace out- 

 lets or waterways. (2) Additional outlets should be constructed when 

 the length of crop row drains much in excess of 600 feet in one direc- 

 tion. Careful planning in order to utilize the natural drainageways 

 Will often eliminate the need for constructing supplemental terrace 

 outlets. (3) The outlets should be fully planned and developed before 

 the terrace system is built. (4) The channels should be smooth and 

 have adequate width to permit mowing and proper care. Where the 

 width is sufficient these outlets can be profitably used for hay, and 

 such use generally encourages good management. ( 5 ) The sides of the 



: imki: 20. — An excellent vegetated outlet in a natural field drainageway, which 

 carries water from the rows and terraces on both sides. This outlet produces 

 a good crop of hay. 



