Which practice involves using vegetation to filter sediments before runoff reaches water bodies?

The practice that involves using vegetation to filter sediments before runoff reaches water bodies is the filter strip. Filter strips are areas of vegetation, such as grass or shrubs, strategically placed along the edges of fields or near water bodies. These strips effectively slow down the flow of surface runoff, allowing sediments and pollutants to settle out before the water enters the water body.

The dense root systems of the vegetation help to stabilize the soil, preventing erosion, while also promoting infiltration of water into the ground. This technique is particularly effective in reducing nutrient loading and enhancing water quality in adjacent water bodies. By filtering out sediments and other contaminants, filter strips serve as a vital component in sustainable land management and watershed protection strategies.

In contrast, the fill section refers to soil material added to elevate land surfaces, a French drain is a subsurface drainage system designed to redirect water away from certain areas, and the term grade - finish typically refers to the final shaping of land to establish proper drainage patterns. These practices do not specifically address the filtering of sediments from surface runoff through vegetation.