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Irrigation Reservoirs - Delivering the Goods
At this point, you’ve hopefully discovered a few alternate sources of water, created plans for an irrigation reservoir or two to capture and store it
Water Management in a Time of Scarcity
The need for quality irrigation water is increasingly squeezed by competing needs from cities and industry as well as scarcity arising from drought, and aquifer depletion
That Dry Hole in the Ground: Filling the Reservoir When Water is Scarce
It seems like an exercise in frustration to dig an enormous hole when there’s no water to fill it with, right?
Planning an Irrigation Reservoir
When designing an irrigation reservoir and connecting it to a farm’s irrigation system, it’s wise to start by determining how much water should be stored
Does an Irrigation Reservoir Make Sense on Your Farm?
Ultimately, even if rainfall in your region has typically been gentle and has arrived at just the right time of year, that’s almost certain to change
What is the Purpose of an Irrigation Reservoir?
Access to water for irrigation is increasingly under pressure across the country, but is investing in an irrigation reservoir a reasonable solution?
The Future of Irrigated Agriculture
Ultimately, the truth is that farmers who depend on irrigation face a future with increasingly limited water supplies
The Politics of Irrigation Reservoirs
The struggle for sufficient water, a longstanding issue in developing countries, has now become a harsh reality in the US
Irrigation and Changing Weather Patterns
Irrigated agriculture is a pivotal practice in terms of the world’s ability to feed itself
Irrigation: An Ancient Game Changer
rrigation also helps to maintain landscapes and protect soil in dry areas and during periods of less than average rainfall.
Retention Ponds: Best Practices for Best Results
For a reservoir that’s meant to hold water for a long period of time, or protect the local groundwater from toxins and chemicals
Attention to Retention Ponds
Retention ponds, or Stormwater Wet ponds, are permanent bodies of water that provide opportunities for treatment
Damming Circumstances Reservoir Ponds
Before construction can begin, the river must be diverted through constructed channels on the surface or underground
More Important Considerations in Reservoir Design
Fast-moving or highly turbid water can carve deep ravines throughout a waterway or reservoir
Important Considerations in Reservoir Pond Design
The overall construction and individual functions of a reservoir will vary depending on the goals of the builder
Reservoir Classification
The local geology, the intended use of the water collected, and where/when the water is meant to be released are all defining parts of a reservoir
What About Other Reservoirs?
Flood control reservoirs are incredibly important for protecting life and developments located further downstream
Agricultural Reservoirs - Running off the Farm
Construction sites, or areas cleared for agricultural purposes, are especially vulnerable to increased sediment and pollutant run-off
What Goes into a Reservoir Pond?
As new residential or commercial developments are built, like roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and subdivisions, the natural landscape is no longer able to absorb water
What is a Reservoir Pond Good For?
Humans have been storing water in artificial ponds and lakes for a very long time.
Is an Irrigation Reservoir the Right Solution?
Building an irrigation pond isn’t a casual, spur-of-the moment undertaking.
Using Farm Ponds to Extend a Limited Water Supply
Sometimes the issue isn’t a simple, steady lack of rain.
More Best Practices to Conserve Farm Water
Conservation tillage is defined as any minimal tillage system that leaves enough crop residue behind to cover at least 30% of the soil surface.