A graft is a vegetated steep edge or earthen bank that, in an undulating, hilly landscape, lies at the boundary between two fields. Grafts are best known from the south of Limburg in the Netherlands, where they divide the landscape into terraces along the slopes.
How does a graft form?
On slopes, rain and cultivation constantly wash soil downhill. At the lower edge of a field, often where a hedge or coppice grows, this soil comes to rest and piles up. Over the centuries a height difference develops: at the top the field is levelled off, at the bottom a steep, vegetated edge has formed — the graft.
The vegetation (shrubs, coppice and trees) holds the soil in place and reinforces the bank. In this way the graft acts as a natural soil-retaining barrier that counteracts erosion.
Significance
- Landscape — grafts give the Limburg hill country its characteristic, terraced appearance
- Ecological — the vegetated edges are valuable for plants and animals
- Water management — grafts slow down run-off and reduce soil erosion
Preservation
Many grafts are protected as cultural-historical landscape elements. Their preservation requires periodic maintenance of the vegetation, so that the bank retains its soil-retaining function.
Related Terms
- Landscape elements
- Erosion
- Hedgerow bank
- Embankment
- Soil retention
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