Keyline design
Keyline design is a system of landscape analysis, water harvesting and soil development using dams, channels and soil condition ploughing, developed by P. A. Yeomans.
Keyline is a design technique for maximizing the beneficial use of water resources of a piece of land. The technique was developed in Australia by farmer and engineer P. A. Yeomans who faced irregular rainfall patterns.
Keyline designs are based on the natural topography of the land. Structures such as farm dams, irrigation areas, roads, fences, farm buildings, and tree lines are laid in consideration with the form and shape of the land to slowly direct and store water flow. The concepts are counter to common methods of rapidly removing runoff water from land which often resulting in unintended erosion.