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Diversions

A Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training article about the benefits of diversions, available options, management practices, and additional resources.

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Updated:

September 1, 2026

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Diversion that channels water away from bottom of mountain slope at top of crop field. Photo credit: Lancaster County Conservation District.

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Do you notice any of these issues on the farm?

Soil erosion
Clean water entering an area with manure
Stormwater runoff
Gully formation

Soil erosion on a rocky slope with sparse green vegetation. — Erosion forming on a significantly sloped field. Photo credit: Chris Canfield, CACAT.

What is a diversion?

A diversion is a lined or vegetated channel along the contour of the slope that is constructed to capture and direct the flow of water. This may include diverting clean water away from an animal concentration area, directing cropland stormwater to a grassed waterway, or forcing barnyard stormwater to an underground outlet.

Grassy diversion at the bottom of a tobacco field. — Grass mostly established on a diversion at the bottom of a sloped tobacco field. Photo credit: Erin Trouba, CACAT.

Diversions have many benefits

Keeps clean water clean
Controls the flow of water
Helps to manage stormwater
Prevents soil erosion
Diverts water from sensitive areas
Prevents gully formation

Other practices are associated with diversions

Diversions are often part of a comprehensive system involving several conservation practices. Some commonly associated practices include:

Reduced or no-tillage system
Critical area planting
Lined waterway or outlet
Subsurface drain
Grassed waterway
Heavy use area protection

Grassed diversion leading into a black pipe surrounded by large rocks to channel stormwater under farm access road. — Diversions should direct stormwater to stabilized locations, which may require underground outlets to channel under features such as access roads. Photo credit: Erin Trouba, CACAT.

Many design choices are possible

The design of a diversion depends on the velocity and volume of water it will carry. Higher velocities may require lining the channel with concrete or rock. Lower velocities allow for vegetated channels that can be farmed.

Assistance with design, obtaining permits, and construction is available (see links at the end of this fact sheet for more information).

Bare soil shaped into a diversion at bottom of forested tree line leading into a black corrugated pipe. — Diversion after construction, before vegetation is established. Photo credit: Lancaster County Conservation District.

Sparse grass growing in diversion at bottom of forested tree line slope. — Vegetation starting to become established along a diversion. Photo credit: Lancaster County Conservation District.

What maintenance is required?

It is important to regularly inspect your diversion, especially after major storm events. Sediment and debris buildup should be removed to maintain the full design capacity. Vegetated diversions must be mowed periodically and have weeds removed.

Interested in having diversions installed on your farm?

Diversions are eligible for funding through several conservation programs administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Additionally, several local funding sources may be available through organizations such as County Conservation Districts or local nongovernmental organizations.

For more information, reach out to staff at the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT), NRCS, or your local conservation district office.