A ditch is a small to moderate trench created to channel water. A ditch can be used for drainage, to drain water from low-lying areas, alongside roadways or fields, or to channel water from a more distant source for plant irrigation. Ditches are commonly seen around farmland, especially in areas that have required drainage, such as The Fens in eastern England and much of the Netherlands.
A ditch in the Netherlands
Ditches at the Ouse Washes nature reserve.
Waterplants growing in a ditch in the Netherlands, showing Sagittaria sagittifolia to the right.
Major ditch of Sueca, Valencian Community
Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of a surface's water and sub-surface water from an area with excess water. The internal drainage of most agricultural soils can prevent severe waterlogging, but many soils need artificial drainage to improve production or to manage water supplies.
High-density polyethylene pipe installation in a storm drain project, Mexico.
Remains of a drain at Lothal circa 3000 BC
Tank Stream, a historical drain in the City of Sydney, Australia
An agricultural drainage channel outside Magome, Japan after a heavy rain. Protuberances create turbulent water, preventing sediment from settling in the channel.
