Berms

Berms are used to create additional soil depth, especially when the underlying soil has unfavorable growing conditions, for instance, on desert slopes. Along with swales, berms can be used to direct water, provide wind protection, create additional growing areas, provide private enclosed areas and screen views.

Berms are basically mounds of earth with sloping sides built between areas of the same elevation. Berms have been used for millennia by Native Americans agrarian cultures and other cultures around the world living in arid or semi-arid areas.