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“What if I”… A New Year Riparian Buffer, a Different Look at Stream Function. On the Soapbox Thinking out of the Box. Remember When
Dollars and Sense I was watching a movie the other night and an analogy was made using a coin and it made me think. What is one of the main things that people work for? I know that if our priorities are right we should be concerned with our heavenly reward and our family, but we tend to tie it all back to money. Consider a dollar bill. When freshly printed it is crisp and bright. Truly a work of art when considering the details of the bill. As the bill is put into circulation and is used it begins to show signs of wear and tear. The bill is stuffed into wallets and purses, crammed into pants pockets, wadded and folded. No matter how it looks it keeps on doing its job. Though the economy determines what the dollar will actually buy, it does the job it is supposed to do. When this country was first settled the land was pristine. Plants were abundant, and the soil was rich. As the settlers came and began to use the land either by grazing or tilling, the land began to show signs of usage. Much like the crumpled look of the dollar bill, the land began to wear down and erode. The land once fertile lost its ability to grow vegetation to protect it. Man would use this ground until worn out and move on to the next piece of land. George Washington on the face of the dollar bill reminds us of the “Father of our Country”. His patriotic spirit and dedication to a new democracy led the colonies to declare their independence and solidify their freedom. George Washington was more than a strong leader; he was a leader in conservation. The soils around Mount Vernon are a heavy clay soil. Washington kept a manure barn where the litter from the stalls and garbage was kept. He added amounts of water to compost the material. At planting time the field hands then took the compost to the fields. They made raised seedbeds and worked the compost into the soil creating a seedbed that allowed the plant’s roots to grow and sustain a productive plant. The raised bed also held the rainfall in place letting the water infiltrate the soil. At the top of the dollar bill reads Federal Reserve Note, United States of America. The Federal Reserve basically takes care of our money. Our soil is the reserve of our great nation. The soil is home to millions of bacteria and nutrients that sustain plant growth. This reserve is what helps feed our nation and the world. If man continues to abuse the soil, the ability to feed ourselves will be lost. We will be relying on other nations to feed us just like we are depending on other nations for our oil. The most used symbol on the bill is the number one. There are six ones on the front and ten ones on the back. No mistaking that the bill is a one dollar bill. But it also should remind us that there is one God and without Him none of this would ever have happened. The soils, the plants, this country, the world we live in are because of Him. We were given the opportunity to live our earthly lives here. That does not mean we can abuse the privilege. Which leads to the final and most important phrase on the bill. “IN GOD WE TRUST”. It really does not need any explanation. No matter what we do, it is ultimately up to God to provide. So until next time keep “On the level”. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Thar She Blows!!! And Blows, And Blows… Easter, a New Beginning We tend to associate Easter with the hunting of the Easter egg but there is so much more meaning to the Easter season. Easter season marks the beginning of new life, a new birth, a fresh start. With each passing day the weather gets warmer, days get longer and we anticipate the new growth. Well, that’s how it’s supposed to work. The continued drought has gotten things off to a slow start. The only thing showing a fair amount of growth is the drought hardy mesquite tree. The wildfire stories have been at the forefront of the news lately and for good reason. The thousands of acres burned in Texas have now accumulated to the size of the state of Rhode Island. The property lost has been bad in some instances but cannot compare to the lives of the two firemen lost while volunteering to serve their communities. Theirs was the ultimate sacrifice. Across the state hundreds of men and women rush at a moment’s notice to protect their neighbors when the call comes. We must be sure to give our thanks both in gratitude and monetarily. We never know when it may be ourselves they are coming to protect. Although the fires destroy they are also a tool to revive the native rangeland. The fire takes out old growth and clears underbrush so beneficial grass and forbs can flourish. Although wildlife has fled the fires they quickly return once the new life returns. There are stories in history of wildfires burning across the prairies for miles and miles. These fires killed undesirable brush and rejuvenated the grass. Since man intervened and began to put out the fires, the undergrowth has grown to the proportions that once a wildfire starts the flames are towering and burn into the canopies of the trees doing intense damage. Periodic burning keeps the fuel low and these fires tend to creep slowly and do not destroy the tree canopy. In times of adequate moisture the Natural Resources Conservation Service can assist the landowner in doing a Prescribed Burn. This is a tool that is beginning to catch on. The NRCS will develop a burn plan with the landowner which consists of an assessment of the pasture to determine the fuel present, the target species and lay out the safest plan to conduct the burn. NRCS personnel have been trained in the methodology of prescribed burns and have limits to conditions to which a burn can be done. This is called the prescription of the burn. Conditions outside of the parameters of the prescription warrant the burn to be postponed or halted. Ground moisture is important to keep the grass roots protected. During this drought and no soil moisture the grass that has been burned has been damaged severely and will need more time to recover. Ranchers will need to be cautious when restocking their ranches. In many instances it may take two years for the grass to reestablish itself and it will depend on the moisture received during the growing season. For assistance in determining pasture conditions and stocking rates, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Becoming a Cultural Resource A couple of weeks ago we attended cultural resource training at Fort Chadbourne over in Coke County north of Bronte. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is responsible for doing a cultural resource evaluation on the area that will have a conservation practice installed. Practices that have the potential to affect cultural resources are practices that involve ground disturbance. The NRCS is to advise the landowner if any cultural resources are found and how to avoid disturbance. It is strictly up to the landowner to make the decision to proceed or not and any findings are kept confidential. The training was conducted by the guru of cultural resources Calvin Sanders of the NRCS State Office in Temple and Garland Richards, owner of the Chadbourne Ranch. The training was very interesting but I found out that being fifty-three years old I was now considered a cultural resource. Anything over fifty years old is a cultural resource. I informed my wife of my status and told her I should be protected and cherished. Yep that went over and she told me I should be put on a shelf and gather dust. Learning about cultural resources, how to identify them and some about the people that used them really made me think about the world we live in. To think that spearhead you found could have been made by someone millions of years ago is really hard to get a grip on. A person standing in the same area of the find shot his arrow or threw his spear at an animal that long ago. Calvin told us cultural resources tell us a story of how our race progressed and cultural resources need to be preserved to keep the story progressing. Our cultural resources and natural resources really go hand in hand. The dirt we grow our crops on is cultural resource. It is millions of years old and had a succession of people using it to provide a living for many generations, whether they were hunters, ranchers or farmers. The earth we walk on tells the story of evolution. Each strata gives us an idea of what took place millions of years ago. Like a cultural resource, once destroyed, it cannot be returned in its natural state. A portion of history gone. The Richards family has done an amazing job of restoring Fort Chadbourne. Listening to Garland tell us about the history of the fort and the procedures taken to restore the buildings you get a real sense of the passion he has for the fort. Garland showed us the site where the soldiers mined the stone from the sandstone bluff along Oak Creek. One does not realize the hardships the soldiers had to endure in order to build the fort. The tools they used were very basic and a lot of blood sweat and determination was put into the construction. Writing this article made me think of the history of the American soldier. Their love of country, resolve to help and protect the country we live in is still alive in the soldier of today. Thank you for serving and giving me the right to be able to put on paper my beliefs and not worry about censorship. Let’s be sure to thank our soldiers for their sacrifice. Cultural resources are a vital link to our past. They tell a story about what was and help us to see where we may be going. Like natural resources they must be conserved. So if you are over fifty years old and considered a cultural resource let’s hope that we will be appreciated and not discarded and dumped in a gully to try and stop erosion. On that happy thought I’ll see you next time “On the Level”. For more information you can contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Strategies of Saving
Passion or Profit “Turning a profit”, in every business that’s the name of the game. Without it the business cannot grow. It becomes stagnant and eventually dies. The business owner has to be passionate about his work in order to put forth the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make the business successful. This drive and determination can be seen in the farming and ranching industry. The fine line between profit and passion is such that everyday decisions can be the determining factor between profit and loss. These fine line decisions are not made without consequence. The profit margin of growing crops and raising livestock is narrow. Sometimes passion takes a backseat to profit. It may not be driven by the need to just make money but by survival. There is no doubt that a farmer and rancher loves the soil. I remember when I was farming and doing the fall plowing. Getting off the tractor in the field and taking a deep breath, you can smell the fresh plowed soil. Reaching down to grab a fistful of dirt and feel the moist soil warmed by the sun. Looking at the dirt in your hands and wonder in amazement at the millions of living organisms living there. This is a feeling of the senses that only a small part of our civilization can experience. This is passion! This sense of using one small part of God’s creation to support the family and feed the world. This is passion! That you are entrusted to be a steward of your piece of this earth is a commitment. This is the passion that drives the farmer and rancher to spend countless hours in the hot sun and bitter cold to do what their fathers and grandfathers did before them. The farmer puts the crop in the ground each year not knowing if at the end of the season there will be enough to harvest or will there be a bumper crop. And regardless of the outcome, the bills have to be paid. The cost of the crop is always increasing as new technology, fertilizer, price of seed and fuel drives cost higher and higher. The farmer is forced to make a bigger yield and farm more land just to justify the cost of machinery. Farmers and ranchers are subject to the whims of politics to which he has no control but the politics does affect the markets. The weather cannot be controlled. Is it too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry? Why would a sensible person be willing to risk all he has just to till the soil or grow the grass to feed the livestock? It’s passion. Sometimes I feel I’m on the outside looking in since I no longer farm. But it’s with a new aspect that I regard my passion. When I see crops being planted across terraces, gullies in a field, road ditches being sprayed and plowed, pastures grazed to the ground and noxious brush taking over grassland it’s a new passion that I feel. I understand the need to farm faster, run more stock and look the other way when there is maintenance to be done on the land. The profit factor comes into play. But it’s that fine line between profit and passion that comes to play. The more the land is neglected the longer it will take to heal and the less it will produce. Passion for the land has to be at the forefront of all decisions. Even small things can make a difference. Rotating crops and managing crop residues, rotating pastures and watching the amount of grass being grazed are things that don’t cost but will maintain soil health. The decision to plant a crop that produces a higher residue or run a few less cows is good for the land but may not yield the profit that one needs. But God only gave us this small amount of good usable land. Once it’s gone we won’t be around to see it replenish itself. Passion or profit, which will it be? You will have to decide.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program Freddy Gets
Informed Last time we met, Freddy Farmer learned from Charlie Technician of the assistance that was available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to address the erosion problem that was occurring in his field. Freddy was told he needed terraces to stop the erosion and hold the water on the slope. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will cost share the practice. This time we will learn what Freddy can expect from the NRCS in the way of assistance. Charlie has gotten back to the office and…… Conservation Kathy is diligently working on plans to help producers plan for better management of their natural resources. Kathy is a planner with the NRCS. She meets with a farmer and helps develop a strategy of management. She will develop the EQIP contract and if it is funded will administer the contract. Kathy will also certify practices and submit the applications for payment. Charlie explains Freddy’s situation to her and they set a date to visit Freddy Farmer. Kathy and Charlie head out. The air is crisp and the sky is clear, all the signs point to a great day in the field. They arrive and Charlie introduces Kathy to Freddy. Charlie will leave Kathy to visit with Freddy and go to the field to do the survey. The equipment Charlie will be using is a GPS survey instrument. The instrument utilizes satellites to measure coordinates and take elevation readings. The GPS unit is very accurate and will measure to the one hundredth both horizontally and vertically. Charlie will mount a rover unit on the truck and set a base station in the field. Data is recorded in a hand held data collector. Charlie will drive across the field taking shots every one hundred feet. Before leaving the field Charlie will set a benchmark and at least two alignment points. These three points will be used when Charlie returns to the field to stake the terraces after the design process. These points will tell the computer how the field lies and where it is located in the world Freddy invites Kathy in the house so they can sit at the kitchen table. Freddy’s wife has just baked a chocolate cake and while Charlie is slaving in the dusty field Kathy is sitting down to a big piece of cake. She does feel a little guilty about eating the cake but decides the Diet Coke she is drinking will make up for the calories. Kathy explains to Freddy about a conservation plan and the EQIP program. This is a cost share program but it is also intended to show the producer the benefits of the conservation practice. There are maintenance items such as contour farming, crop rotation and crop residue use. Nutrient management is discussed which involves soil testing and using the proper amount of fertilizer, so what is put on the field is used by the crop and excess fertilizer does not runoff the field or leach into the underground water table. Charlie completes the survey and returns to the house. Freddy commented, “It sure didn’t take long”. Charlie explained that he uses a Global Positioning System instrument to take and record the elevation shots. These shots can be taken on the go without stopping for each shot. When the field is surveyed the data is downloaded into the office computer and Charlie uses a version of AutoCAD to generate a contour map and draw the new terrace lines. This same system will be used to stake the new terrace lines in the field for construction. Each terrace will be staked making it easier on the producer not having to mark each terrace. The EQIP contract, conservation plan and field survey are tools that are used to put conservation on the ground and demonstrate how conservation practices affect the land. Next time we will discuss the EQIP application process. For more information you can contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Freddy Farmer Has a Problem The morning sun peaks over the horizon as Freddy Farmer walks out onto the porch ready to tackle another day of chores. There are many to choose from. A feller just has to prioritize. The north forty should be plowed again since it caught a rain last week. It is the fall of the year and it’s time for the land to be prepared for planting small grain. Freddy hooks up the plow to the tractor and heads out. Upon arriving at the field he notices a significant gully has formed in the middle of the field. He remembers from past plowings there had been a small depression, but when plowed across the gully disappeared. Now it was worse. As he plowed the field it began to really bother Freddy the extent to which the gully had grown. Freddy remembered at a recent AG-Day the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) had a booth set and the personnel was telling people about conservation practices that help control erosion. He decides he will call when he gets back to the house. Noon finally arrives and even though the burning in his stomach could be attributed to hunger, he knows it is the desire to call the NRCS office. Freddy calls and reaches Charlie Technician. Freddy explains the situation and his concern over the growth of the gully. Charlie tells Freddy he can probably help and sets a date to meet Freddy at the field. Dawn breaks on the day of Charlie’s visit. Freddy anticipates the meeting with excitement. You see, the land that Freddy is farming has been in the family for several generations and he knows that if his great-grandfather and grandfather were alive they would not be pleased with the way Freddy was taking care of the land. They loved the land and knew the land was a resource that had to be treated with respect and care. The land was God’s gift and they were the stewards of the land. Freddy had gotten lax in caring for the land and was guilty of taking the easy way out when it came to plowing. Charlie arrives and they drive around the field to assess the situation. Charlie sees the plow pattern and the gully. He points out to Freddy how the gully is running and the plow pattern. Both are taking the same path. Charlie explains, the water is following the furrows left by the plow and with nothing to stop the flow. It just runs down the slope. The further it goes the more water is collected and the fast the water runs taking along soil particles which makes the gully deeper and deeper. Even though plowing erased the gully in the past, once soil is lost its gone and the depression will only get worse. Freddy began to realize what has been happening and asked,” How can this be stopped and can you help me”. Charlie told Freddy to start plowing on the contour instead of up and down the slope. They discussed managing the crop residue to help protect the soil surface. Charlie explained each time Freddy plowed it reduced the amount of residue left on the surface. Freddy said he noticed some of his neighbors were leaving the crop stubble standing for a long time and spraying the weeds when needed. Charlie also suggested Freddy think about terracing the field. These terraces will run across the contour of the land and hold the water on the slope. Freddy expresses his concern over the cost of construction and Charlie tells Freddy there is a program that will assist in cost sharing the construction of the terraces. It’s called the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Next time on “On the Level” we follow the process of the EQIP contract and the design process of the terrace system. For more information you can contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Maintenance, An
Unlikely Comparison The other day I went to the doctor for my three year “annual” check up. I was scheduled for lab work early in the morning and the doctor’s visit just before lunch. This was done with special planning. I could do the fasting before the lab and after the lab work I could go to IHOP for breakfast. Everyone knows how important a good breakfast is. I could then go to my doctor’s appointment which would last until noon and just have to stay and eat lunch. Pretty much planned the trip around eating. Now the “rest of the story”. The lab work went well, I did not pass out when they stuck me and I hit the cup. Breakfast was good. Then comes the doctor’s office. I arrived early and did the required thirty minute wait in the waiting area, then was moved to the next waiting area called the exam room. The nurse took me back and motioned toward the scale. She did not wait for me to clear my pockets and as she moved the little weight further up the bar I began to rethink that big breakfast. She sat me on the exam table and took my blood pressure. As she was releasing the pressure off the cuff her eyes grew wide and said “Oh my”. She asked me if I had checked my blood pressure lately and I said not really. To say the least it was not good. She left and said the doctor will be in shortly. I sat there for what seemed a long time but maybe they were waiting for the blood pressure to go back down. Long story short I was reminded of the dangers of high blood pressure, being overweight and not taking care of one’s self. I could either change, or risk death. Since losing my Dad in April to a heart attack it hit home. I had to change. Driving home after a not so great lunch I was watching the countryside go by and thinking about what I needed to do both health wise and at work. I mentioned in a previous article I can’t help but look at erosion problems as I travel and wonder how I could help. I began to see a correlation between health of the body and the health of the land. Both “bodies” need regular maintenance to keep them in prime shape. An overweight body cannot function properly and has to work harder to produce. In many instances it cannot produce as much as it could. Crops grown year after year without good fertility will not produce to their potential so a good fertility program is needed just like a healthy diet is needed for the body. Diversion terraces, waterways and creeks in general are designed to carry water and when left alone can grow up with brush and trees impeding the flow of water. Our arteries when clogged from too much cholesterol will block the flow of blood and I don’t really need to explain that thought. Not enough exercise will let the muscles get weak and not keeping your terraces plowed up will allow them to get weak and burst from a heavy rain. The overgrazing of the rangeland will leave nothing but weeds and poor grass which produce low quality forage for the livestock, while constant grazing of ourselves produces a body that is of poor quality. The comparisons could go on, but you get the drift. It takes constant vigilance and maintenance to keep us and the land in good shape. God gave us both and it’s up to us to be sure to do what’s best to keep these gifts in top condition. So until next time if you need assistance please call or come . USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
THE LIFE AND
TIMES OF THE RAINDROP
Have you ever thought about the raindrop that falls from the sky? Water is probably our least understood natural resource. I was reading from an article from Joseph L. Schuster, Professor and Extension Range Specialist from Texas A&M about water conservation. He states, “The earth has the same amount of water today as it had when the earth was formed”. It just changes forms from time to time. It depends on where the drop of water is in the “hydrologic cycle” as to whether it is in the solid form, (ice), vapor form, (humidity) or the condensed form (rain). Water covers nearly three-fourths of the earth’s surface as rivers, lakes and oceans. Only about three percent of that water is fresh and two-thirds of that is ice. Only 0.6 percent is in the earth’s aquifers and a very small part is in the earth’s plants animals and soil. The amount that soaks into the soil produces the plant life that sustains us. The hydrologic cycle is the continuous is the cycle that the water travels from the oceans water to the atmosphere to the land and back to the sea. As water evaporates and moves into the atmosphere, wind carries it across the land where the vapor condenses to fall as rain, hail, sleet or snow. Have you emptied a glass of liquid onto a hot parking lot? Where does it go? Back into the cycle! The water portion of the drink is the only part that evaporates. Not the flavoring or the minerals that was added to it. What is left is then carried off by the rain that falls and unless filtered naturally, enters our streams and reservoirs, but that is another story. As the raindrop falls to earth large portion of the water evaporates and is returned to atmosphere as vapor to be condensed again. The amount that falls to the ground is soaked up by the soil or runs off back into the streams, then the rivers, and ultimately the ocean, to start the cycle over again. The water in the soil is used by the plants to grow and this water is returned through a process called transpiration. Another way to think of transpiration is to think of a plant sweating. Pores along the stems and leaves open and close to aid in the cooling of the plant and in bringing nutrients from the roots to the leaves. Animals that drink the water returns some of the water by waste and when death occurs the large part of the animal’s body that is water evaporates. Our aquifers are recharged by the water that percolates into the soil then into the streams and reservoirs located underground. The amount of water on earth is constant; it is always somewhere in the cycle. When you look into the sky and see that raindrop falling think about the journey that it has been on and the journey it is about to begin. It really is a marvelous process that takes place. It’s up to us here on earth to manage the raindrop wisely once it gets here. US For more information you can contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Rainwater Harvesting
Once
again we are in the hot dry days of summer. We tend to live from one rain to
the next. We see our lakes becoming smaller due to rapid evaporation and
heavier water use. The rivers have slowed to a trickle. Here in West Texas we
rely on the rains to provide us with the water we need to survive. The well
water we have is normally very high in nitrates and salts and found only in
narrow streams across the county. There is a growing concern over the amount of
water that will be available to serve the population that continues to grow. We
can’t make water, so again, we must turn to conservation to help extend our
water supply.
A
method of conserving our rainfall is now referred to as “Rainwater Harvesting”.
It’s nothing new. Our parents and grandparents all had cisterns around their
houses. I remember as a young boy having the “privilege” of cleaning the muck
that had accumulated in the cistern at both my home and grandparent’s home. I
also remember keeping a cup out there and when we got thirsty we just grabbed
the cup and drank right from the faucet. There was no purification system or
chemicals added to kill the bacteria. We just drank it and was thankful for the
quenching water. Today’s rainwater harvesting systems have been improved
greatly to help keep the water clean. Today’s cisterns are not only galvanized
metal but are made from polyethylene or fiberglass. The tanks can be built to
be above or below ground storage.
Rainwater harvesting can be done anywhere. Small rain barrels around the house
can be utilized to water the flowerbeds and gardens. You will see an amazing
difference in the plants using the rainwater verses the water from the municipal
water supply. That’s not to mention the fact the rainwater is free. Rain
barrels are very simple to build and everything you need can be purchased from
the local hardware store. There are a number of sites on the internet that give
detailed instructions on building the barrels and the larger systems that can
supply the household needs.
Another option to rainwater harvesting that is catching on is rainwater
gardens. These are landscaped areas in the yard that traps the rainwater before
it leaves the yard and allows it to slowly soak into the soil. Native plants
that do not require a lot of water are used to landscape these areas.
We
just have to be smarter in conserving our natural resources. Even the small
things will add up. Conservation is a mind set and once we get accustomed to the
thought it becomes a way of life. For more information you can contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or contact me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Season of Anticipation The seed will be used for many purposes such as feed for
livestock, ground for flour, or even as seed for another crop. The senior has
to decide what he or she will do with their education. Will they build a career
or simply let the knowledge drop like the seed that falls on rocky soil never to
produce. Conservation is a lot like these analogies. We have been
taught the “how- to”. But do we choose the “want- to”? Sure conservation takes
time and money but once the soil is gone it will not be replaced in our life
time or for many generations. If the seed is planted where there is nothing but
sub-soil, the seed that does sprout will be weak and spindly, likewise if the
student chooses to be lazy and be unproductive he or she will become a liability
to taxpayers and not produce anything other than more mouths to feed. Whether it’s planting and harvesting seed or reaping the benefits of a good education, sowing the seeds of conservation are what we as stewards of the land are called to do. If you have questions on conservation please contact us at the Natural Resources Conservation office. If you would like to contact me about this article or another topic you may do so at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov.
Gully or Waterway? One of the really farmer friendly programs that are available to local farmers is a part of the Conservation Reserve Program that deals with erosion control on cropland. This program addresses severe gully erosion and can be signed up at any time. The length of the contract is for ten years. The area has to be in cultivation and have a cropping history. These areas of concern can be along a field border particularly where water is running out of a terrace channel and flowing down the turn row, low areas in the field that the terraces historically break, terraces that hold too much water and drown out crops or a natural water coarse that flows through the field. The solution to the problem is a practice called a grassed waterway. The construction of a waterway involves the building of a channel to handle the flow of water, releasing it to a stable outlet making sure that neighbors will not be adversely affected. The width of the waterway will reduce the velocity of the water and the depth of the waterway will handle the amount of water flowing down the channel. Size of the waterway is determined by the drainage area, percent of slope, vegetative cover and soils. There are pro’s and con’s to the waterway from a farmers point of view so in all fairness let’s review them. Con: “The waterway will be hard to manage”. Either a grass mix or Bermudagrass can be planted. Once the grass is established the waterway will need to be monitored for excessive growth. The waterway is built strictly for erosion control. No haying or grazing will be allowed, thus a large amount of vegetation will be produced. Added growth has been taken into consideration in the design of the waterway depth. Con: “The waterway will inconvenience the farming operation”. The waterway will be planted to grass which is very susceptible to glysophate or “Roundup” which many farmers use for weed control. The timing of the spray application will have to depend on wind direction to avoid chemical drift over the grass. Con: “It takes out too much land from cultivation". In some cases it does take land out, but in others the gully has gotten so severe the land does not produce and cannot be farmed. The Conservation Reserve Program pays a yearly rental rate on the acres in the waterway, so little income is lost from the acres. Pro: The waterway shapes the area of concern, stabilizing the channel and keeping the soil where it is supposed to stay. Pro: The cost of shaping and establishing the grass is cost-shared by the government. In most cases the out of pocket expense from the producer is minimal. Pro: The cost of fixing the problem will continue to escalate as the problem worsens. Taking care of the gully early will result in less acres affected and reduce cost of shaping. Pro: The silt will accumulate in the flat part of the field, road ditch, culverts or streams. It just makes more sense to keep the soil rather than let it wash away. I have seen many a truck load of good topsoil hauled out of borrow ditches and culverts and disposed of. The last pro: We are all called to be good stewards of the land. What a waste to see the soil being washed away and nothing is being done to avoid the situation. What farmer will let his tractor run without oil or water. Then how can he stand by and watch his topsoil leave his property. Oil and water keeps his tractor running, without topsoil his land is nothing but clay and rock. If you have a concern, all you need to do is contact the Natural Resources Conservation office and I will be glad to visit with you. You are not obligated to do anything until you sign on the dotted line. Let me show you how a waterway can help your situation and then you make the decision. After all it is “your land”. If you have a comment or question about waterways or some other topic you would like to hear about please email me at charles.frerich@tx.usda.gov. See you next time on “On the Level “ . USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Ode to a Conservationist I apologize for the length of time for writing a new article but things have been tough to say the least. On The Level has not been on my mind. But in writing this column today I would be remiss to not pay tribute to a special person. Thus , the reason for the column heading “Ode to a Conservationist”. On Tuesday, April 6th my father, Arnold Frerich, passed away. He was working as he had all his life. God answered his prayers and took him home while he was mowing a field of wild flowers. This is exactly how dad had said he wanted to go. So at about twelve noon, he parked under a tree and breathed his last. Yes, it was sad but we had to be happy that God granted his last wish. I probably would not be here in this job doing what I love to do without dad’s influence. I got to work by dad’s side as he farmed and constructed conservation practices. His love was building terraces and waterways. Dad started the business in 1959 with his dad, Ben Frerich. A storm had washed out their terraces and they purchased a small dozer and rebuilt them. Local farmers asked them to redo their terraces and the business began. I remember talking with dad about how the different practices helped the land. Conserving water was a big issue. In the fall, dad would always have gin trash hauled to the field. It was obvious that the extra cover conserved moisture and added humus to the soil. We kids did not like it at the time because with the gin trash came weed seeds and we ended up with extra hoe time. Dad taught me that being a good steward of the land is not always easy and the fastest easiest way is not always the best way. Plowing on the contour and with the terraces was a must. When we did cross-chisel , the plow was raised over the terraces and they were always plowed up to maintain their height. Driving around the area now and seeing that more and more fields are not being farmed on the contour makes me wonder how their parents and grandparents would react to this practice. Dad loved the land and he loved the country we live in. He served in the Korean War and was proud of the service he gave to his country. My brother and sister have this same love of country, raising our kids to do the same. At the cemetery when the flag was presented to my mother, the soldier that presented it to her had a tear roll down his cheek. His presence there was more than just a job it was a service to a fellow soldier. A conservationist is described as, ”A supporter of or advocate for the preservation of the environment, especially the natural world”. This is my dad and I strive for this to be me. Although this is my job, it’s a job that I can look back at and say “Yes I made a difference”. I am proud of what I do and even prouder to be part of a heritage of conservationists. Dad, your legacy will live on. See you next time “On the Level”.
Let’s Go Fishing! I’m hoping that the last of the cold weather is about over. The rain has been a blessing and most of the farm ponds in the area have caught a significant amount of water. The underground aquifers are being recharged and we should see a surge in spring water and seep activity. The last few years of drought had dried many farm ponds losing most if not all of the fish population. We are beginning to get inquiries about stocking these ponds with fish. There is a lot more to fish pond management than just dumping fish in the water. The runoff water that fills most ponds is carrying a fair amount of silt. This causes muddy conditions that will hamper fish growth. The water should clear up on its own but in some cases the water remains muddy. The clay particles remain suspended and organic or chemicals may be added to correct the problem. In muddy conditions catfish grow better than bass. Forage often becomes overabundant in ponds with visibility of less than 1 foot because bass cannot see the forage fish. Fertilization of a pond can increase the productivity of the pond by adding nutrients to the water to feed the plankton which feeds the forage fish. Proper fertilization will also help control aquatic weed growth in water deeper than two feet. If weed a problem already exists this needs to addressed before a fertilization program is started. Too much fertilizer can cause more problems than it will solve. If your pond has a population of undesirable fish such as carp or bullheads (mudcats), these should be killed out before adding new species. These undesirables are bottom feeders and stir up mud creating muddy conditions. Crappie although a good fish is not a good fish for farm ponds. They reproduce rapidly and compete with bass for food. Crappie can become overpopulated and stunted. Another fish to be concerned with is a Flathead or Yellow catfish. These fish grow to a large size but they are predators to every other fish. I have heard stories of a pond being cleaned out and the only fish left was a huge yellow catfish. Stocking recommendations from Arms Bait Co. are based on a per surface acre of pond. An surface acre of is approximately 200 by 200 ft. square. Recommended forage fish to stock in one surface acre pond is 250 3-5 inch Bluegill, 100 1-3 inch Redear sunfish, 4 lbs. Fathead minnows, 4 lbs. Shiner minnows and 25 1-4 inch Bass. A pond should be managed for either bass or catfish. Unless your pond is very large and you are an avid fisherman who will fish for both species your pond will become unbalanced. Stocking rate for catfish is 100 per surface acre and if there are bass present catfish must be larger than the bass stocked. Runnels Soil and Water Conservation District is having its annual spring fish sale going on now until May 7th. Orders are being taken at the Natural Resources Conservation office in Ballinger. District technician Kay Mansell can help you and take your orders. For information on farm pond management call us here at 325-365-3415 ext 3. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Weeds, Friend or Foe After the coldest winter we have had in many years, I am looking forward to this spring and the warmer temperatures. An abundance of moisture has set the stage for a flush of weeds in our yards, gardens, pastures and fields. In a few weeks the countryside will be vibrant with the many colors of the wildflowers. Depending on your circumstances these weeds can be a benefit or a real pain. I usually pride myself in a fairly clean yard. This year however it’s the weeds 10 and Charles 0. The rainy weather has prompted the weeds to grow rapidly and with the cloudy cold weather the mood has not been in yard care. I will be paying the price for the weed seed crop that has been raised for years to come. I don’t want to complain about the moisture because I do remember just a few months back how dry we were. Traveling across the county I see the pastures beginning to green up. For the sheep and goat rancher and the wildlife enthusiast, the spring weed growth means a high source of protein for the animals. Their mouths are made to nibble the succulent growth that grows close to the grown. Once the weeds get taller, cattle can begin to graze the weeds along with the grass. This being said there are weeds out there that can hurt the pasture condition. These weeds are sometimes referred to as invaders. If a pasture has been severely overgrazed weeds that have no beneficial value can take over. One of the most prevalent is broom weed. Broom weeds germinate in the late fall with good moisture so it is likely we will see a good crop of these weeds this year. Studies have shown that a good weed control program can result in higher grass yields. Arial spraying with an approved weed control chemical that is labeled for the application do a good job in reducing the weed problem. Everyone knows a weedy field is not conducive to a successful crop. And besides that the weedy field is just not pretty. The farmer has to determine the fine line between putting out the expense of weed control or holding off. The options of plowing or using chemicals to control the weeds have to be weighed. The conventional practice of plowing opens the soil, loosening and aerating it. While killing the weeds and stirring the soil is a method of weed control, plowing also releases moisture and carbon into the atmosphere. Carbon is created from decaying plant material and new plants thrive on the carbon. Each time the ground is stirred more carbon is released. The age of the big rig sprayer makes chemical control more attractive. More acreage can be covered in a day. No ground disturbance occurred. But there are also drawbacks. Some producers have noted weed species that are not being controlled by certain chemicals. And some weed species take a large amount of chemical to control them. These same concepts can be used in your gardens also. Although they don’t grow cotton or wheat they do produce a crop. Tillers do the same as a large tractor and a handheld sprayer can be your big rig sprayer. In all instances where chemicals are used, users should read and follow label instructions. The concept of,” If a little is good a lot is better”, should not apply. These labels are for you and the environment’s safety. So friend or foe, flower or weed, food or not is in the
eye of the beholder. What to do with them is a decision that should not be
taken lightly. For questions on weed control please contact the Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
Gray Skies are Gonna Clear Up… Let’s Plant
Some Grass
As cold and rainy as it has been the last several weeks it’s hard to imagine anything to do with global warming. But spring is right around the corner and with that comes sunshine, warm soils and spring rains. In west Texas, even though we just finished a wet spell we still anticipate the next rain. As the days get longer and the sun warms the soil we begin to see a flush of growth from weeds and grasses. With the high production cost of most crops, such as wheat, grain sorghum or cotton, farmers and ranchers may be rethinking planting marginal cropland to these crops and turning the land into grassland. There are many native grasses that have proven themselves to be valuable as grazing forages. Sideoats Gramma is the state grass of Texas. It is a short grass and can take grazing pressure and drought. It is found in most all areas of Texas. Livestock love it. Sideoats will cure out very well when it freezes thus providing a source of grazing through the winter. Buffalograss, Big Bluestem and Little Bluestem, Indiangrass and other Gramma species once dominated the prairie. Believe it or not Runnels County used to be nothing but prairie with only a few large trees. Trees used to be used as landmarks since they were few and far between. I remember talking to the late Rudolph Franke. His family was one of the first people in the county. He remembered riding horseback and grass rubbing the belly of the horse. Heavy grazing pressure and plowing up the grassland for crops has allowed mesquite and other invasive species to encroach on the rangeland. Many species of introduced grass are now available. Some of the more popular introduced grasses being used today are WW B-Dahl, Kleingrass, and Spar Bluestem. These grasses have been genetically changed to produce large amounts forage. While producing more tonnage, they require a higher level of maintenance. When overgrazed, these grasses will not produce regrowth as readily. The more they are grazed and the less time deferred from grazing the smaller the root mass becomes and thus the less food source for leaf production. A plant is a complex system where the leaves and the roots are needed for each to grow. There are several Bermuda grass species that adapt well in pasture conditions. Tifton 85, Jiggs and the old standby Coastal Bermuda are the most popular. These grasses respond very well to fertilization and produce a lot of grass. It is time now to be planting all grasses. The ground should be prepared to be weed free, smooth and without dirt clods. Ideally the ground should have a rain on it to settle it down and melt the dirt clods. The grass seed should be planted now while the ground is cool. The grass seed will not germinate until the ground temperature reaches 60 degrees. If you wait till the temperatures reach 60 degrees then put out the grass you may not have to moisture needed to germinate the seed. If the grass is on the ground, the rain has created a good seed to soil contact and the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees, the seed will be ready to sprout. The next steps would be to watch for weed control. For more information on putting cropland to grass contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service.
It's Decision Time
It’s late evening and Harry rancher makes a final swing through the pasture checking the cows. Its calving season down on the ranch and things have been busy for Harry. Traveling down the ranch road Harry remembers he needs to make a decision on the proposal Randy Rangeman presented sometime back. The four pasture grazing system Randy recommended would certainly make checking cows easier. And Harry could almost picture the improved grass condition by rotating his livestock. Harry will give Randy a call in the morning with his answer. Randy got to work that morning and saw Harry’s folder sitting on the corner of his desk. He wondered if Harry even gave it a second thought since it has been several weeks since their last visit. Randy realizes that even though no matter how much planning and how good of a sales job he can give a customer sometimes it just does not fit into the customer’s game plan. The work the NRCS does for the public is strictly on a volunteer basis and the customer can choose to co-operate or not. There are times when a plan is just left on Randy’s desk to collect dust, never to be heard from again. All Randy can do is hope that during the planning phase he planted a seed that could grow and eventually the producer will come around. As Randy is getting ready for the day, the phone rings, “NRCS this is Randy” he answers. Harry identifies himself and tells Randy he has decided to take Randy’s advice and likes what Randy has prepared in the plan. Harry tells Randy he is interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to assist him in constructing the conservation practices. Randy explains how the EQIP program works. The county will receive a set amount of money from the state. The producers who make an EQIP application will compete for this money through a ranking system. The system is devised to not discriminate between a small landowner and a big landowner. After the ranking is complete the results are entered into the computer and sent to Washington where they are given a tracking code. Funding in the county will begin with the highest code and proceed down until the money has been spent. Left over money is held in case monies are rolled over from other counties that have not spent their allotment. The same is done with other states money that was not spent. So there are three rounds of funding chances. Harry says he needs to come to town to pick up some feed and he will stop in to do the application. Randy tells Harry he also needs to check with the FSA office to make sure his “eligibility” is in order. The government has set guidelines capping the amount of money a producer can receive and this determines if he is eligible or not. Randy and Harry will visit more when he stops in. So see you next time in “On The Level”.
He Loves it, He Loves it
Not…What Will Harry Do? As Randy pulls into the yard he notices the big yellow hound resting on the porch. The dog announces his arrival with a deep woof and lays his head back down. Randy knocks on the door and is greeted by Harry who invites him in. Sure enough the moment he enters he smells the cooking. A fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies awaits Randy. They sit at the kitchen table and Randy gives Harry his copy of the Conservation Plan. Randy shows Harry the detailed aerial map, the soils map, then begins the review of the schedule of operation. Randy showed Harry how he divided the one large pasture into four smaller pastures. He explained the concept of rotational grazing and how he could actually grow more grass this way. It is hard for a person to pull out of a pasture when there is still a lot of grass standing. With more leaf surface still soaking up the sun and producing food for the plant’s roots, the plant will grow back faster. Keeping this in mind, you will see the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. Harry agreed but asked about the shortage of the good native grass plants. Randy told Harry that native plants are very resilient. There is probably a supply of grass seed in the soil and given a chance these young grass plants will grow and multiply. Well Harry could see dollar signs and commented if I grow more grass then I can buy more cows! No, said Randy, by saving grass you won’t have to buy extra feed when times get lean and you will have fallen back into the same old routine. Harry asked about the water situation and Randy explained the system that Charlie Technician had designed. This system will consist of the water well, pipelines, water storage facility and trough. Harry had the option of putting a trough in each pasture or using a water trap with one trough. Randy explained the ease of moving the cattle to different pastures. On an intense grazing system where stock is moved every week, the stock will actually become accustomed to the rotation and actually be waiting for the gate to be opened. Harry wanted to know how this plan binds him to the government. Randy assured Harry this is only a document for planning purposes and to show Harry how using conservation can improve his ranch and save his natural resources. The practices can be installed at Harry’s discretion. Harry seemed to like these ideas but was concerned about the cost of installing the practices. Randy told Harry about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This program will assist the producer with a portion of the cost of installation. Randy explained this will be a contract with government and the planned practices must meet NRCS specifications. This is a competitive contract where other producers are applying for the same money. If the contract is not funded Harry can try again next time. After several cups of coffee and about a dozen cookies they sat across from each other and pondered the covered information. Harry had no questions and Randy was full of cookies. At this point Harry pushed back in his chair looked Randy in the eye and said, “Well you gave me a lot to think about and since it is my land and ultimately my decision what to do let me just say….. See you next time in “On the Level”
The Grass Really is Greener on the Other
Side of the Fence!
When we last checked in with Harry Rancher and Randy Rangeman they had looked over Harry’s ranch and evaluated the condition. They found areas of severe overgrazing due to the lack of water in the far reaches of the property. Heavy brush has taken over areas of the ranch. Randy has gotten permission from Harry to develop a conservation plan on the ranch. A conservation plan consists of an aerial map of the property, soils map, range site classification, inventory of grass, range condition and practice schedule. These tools assist the Range Conservationist in determining how to best manage the grasses get the maximum production from the land while conserving the natural resources. Randy made another trip out to Harry’s ranch and clipped the vegetation on the different range sites. Randy weighed these clippings and determined the production of the grass and identified the key species of grass. Back at the office Randy looked at the maps of the ranch and began to formulate a plan. The key issues are how to get the livestock to use the entire ranch, not just the areas close to water. The most serious area is the closest to the stock tank, but with very limited water elsewhere in the large pasture, the cows where not going to go far. They will have to be forced to other areas. This can be done with cross fencing. Cross fence divides a large fence into smaller individual pastures. The problem is making sure there is water in each pasture. With rain not always reliable and limited pond sites, ponds are not a good option in this case. There is a good water well located near the house. Randy asked for assistance from Charlie Technician to plan and design a water system to delivery water to the new pastures. Randy has determined a four pasture system will be ideal. The pastures will be rectangle with a common point in the center of the ranch. Charlie and Randy agreed a common water trap would be best. A water trap is a fenced area with a trough in the center. As cattle are grazing one pasture they come into the trap to water and access to the other three pastures are closed. When it comes time to rotate pastures the fresh pasture gate is opened and the just grazed pasture gate is closed. The cattle are used to coming to this area and moving cattle is just a matter of opening gates. When planning a water system, Charlie looks at a complete system; well, pipeline, water storage and troughs. The NRCS recommends a system that will supply water even in emergencies such as power outages. Since Harry has a well with a pressure pump Charlie plans a water storage that will hold enough water to supply Harry’s herd for a minimum of three days should there be a power outage or the pump went out. Charlie located a spot on a hill close to the proposed water trap. By putting the storage on the hill, the trough in the trap can be gravity fed. The trough needs to be large enough to hold the water needed for the herd when they come in for water. The pipelines are designed to supply the water to the storage and then the trough in the required time frame. Randy has been busy developing the practice schedule, determining a good stocking rate and options for accommodating Harry’s herd. Of coarse all these plans will be presented to Harry for discussion and Harry’s input. This plan is a guide to doing what is best and Harry can use it or not. In the next installment of “On the Level” Randy will present Harry with the draft of his conservation plan. I know you are on pins and needles in anticipation of Harry’s reaction.
Harry’s Home, Home on the Range During our last visit (Harry, Harry Quite Contrary, How does your grass grow?), you were introduced to Harry, a rancher, who was in need of some insight on how the grass plant functions. Harry met Randy Rangeman at the annual Ag Day and set up an appointment to meet with Randy on Harry’s ranch. And the story continues… The day dawned sunny and clear. A cup of coffee in hand, Harry stepped out onto the front porch to soak up the sun and admire the peace and quiet of the ranch. His herd of cows was grazing in the huge pasture around the stock pond close to the house. Off in the distance Harry saw a cloud of dust coming down the county road and remembered today was the day he was to meet the local NRCS person, Randy Rangeman. When Randy pulled into the yard, Harry invited him in for a cup of coffee. Harry’s wife was just pulling out a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls from the oven. Randy could smell the aroma before he even entered the door. They sat at the table exchanging pleasantries and Randy began asking Harry more about his ranching operation. Harry’s ranch consisted of rangeland of native grasses. The pasture was split in two sections but water in the far pasture was not reliable so it was not being utilized. Brush was a problem in some areas but Harry also liked the wildlife that used these areas. Harry’s cow herd consists of 50 cows and two bulls. After a cup of coffee and a roll Randy asked Harry if they could drive around the pastures to look at the range condition. They left the house and while driving on the ranch roads Randy noted the condition of the range grasses. The good native grasses like Buffalograss, Sideoats, and Bluestems were being grazed very hard. The only places where the natives were strong were in the middle of the prickly pear plants. Undesirable grass like three-awn was everywhere. The grass in the area close to the stock pond was very short to non-existent and the farther away from the water they traveled the better the grass looked. By the time they reached the far side of the farthest pasture the grass actually looked good. Randy stopped the truck and they got out for some Plant ID 101. Randy pointed out the good grasses and compared them to the undesirable grasses. Randy let Harry feel the texture of the leaves. The natives have a soft wide leaf while the less desirable leaves are thin and rough. “Which would you rather eat” asked Randy. Randy pointed out that as cows graze the good grass the roots have to adjust because their food source has been taken. New growth takes place. This growth is tender and sweet so the next time a cow comes along this is what she is looking for. The grass plant never has a chance to fully recuperate. The result is the plant gets weaker until it dies. The remedy is to give the pasture a chance to rest. This is called deferment. Harry complained that he could not afford to defer and he was not going to get rid of the cows. Randy explained the concept of pasture rotation. This is moving the herd from one pasture to another to allow the grass to grow. Harry stated,”That’s great but what about water”. Yes, Randy admitted, water is a problem but there are several options available. Either another stock pond could be built or a pipe line be laid to get water to the other pasture. What Randy is doing is called Conservation Planning. Working with the landowner to meet his goals, the plan explains a schedule of practices. These practices help conserve the natural resources while achieving his goals. Randy asked Harry if he could work up a conservation plan on the ranch and come up with some ideas. Harry stated he did not want to be forced to do anything on his land. Randy assured him this is only a plan and Randy will review the plan with Harry before the plan is completed. Harry consented and Randy left that day to begin the planning process. For more information on the planning process or conservation questions please contact your local NRCS office. Be sure to check back in with Randy and Harry to see how the plan is progressing in the next article “The Grass Really is Greener on the Other Side of the Fence”. Harry Harry Quite Contrary Buck Fever !!! No! Fall Maintenance
Terrace Maintenance Spring planted crops are being harvested. Small grains are being planted. Now is the time to remember terrace maintenance especially if your HEL plan calls for maintenance as part of your operation. Terraces are a vital tool in conservation of soil and water. Terraces are a ridge of soil run with the contours of the land to break the slope of the field into smaller sections. This slows or prevents rainfall from running off the field too quickly allowing the water to soak into the soil. During the normal crop year, each cultivation practice wears the terrace height down. It is critical to maintain the height of the terraces in order for the terrace system to function properly. The effective height of the terraces should be 1.2 feet in height to control a five year twenty-four hour storm, which for Runnels County is 5.5 inches. Failure to maintain the terrace system could result in terrace overtopping, gullies, crop damage and loss of valuable water which could be needed for crops in the summer. Damage from the runoff will cost more in time and money to repair than the time spent maintaining the terraces. Many of the terrace systems in the county were laid out in the 1950’ and 60’s. These are called standard level terraces. A new concept called parallel terraces were implemented. These terraces are designed to fit the farmer’s equipment and plan the terraces to reduce many short rows in the field. Internal blocks are used to keep the terrace profile at an acceptable level. The first terraces were laid out with parallel being the key word. Some system’s profiles could vary as much as several feet. Complaints of these systems were they created duck ponds leading to drowned out crops. The internal blocks of the terraces used to create the level areas in the terraces profile are hard to maintain. Today we have changed our thinking. Using the best of both systems we design systems that are more on the contour eliminating a large amount of blocks. Yes there are more short rows but the rows are matched to the equipment of the farmer and most short rows are on the outsides of the fields. Internal blocks of a parallel terrace system should not be forgotten. The height of the internal blocks are critical because they are a vital part of the terrace system. These blocks are worn down more quickly due to their perpendicular location to the row direction. The cliche'"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" can easily be used when considering maintenance of your terraces. If your are looking to speed up your farming and reduce wasted seed and fuel contact the local Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ballinger.
What a Marvel a Drop of Rain
Really Is!
The change that a rain brings is enormous. New growth of plants is all around. The air has a fresh feel. Animals are more active and even humans are in a better mood. Water means life. We need water to sustain life.
Living in this area of Texas we tend to have these periodic droughts. When it does rain we have to manage that rain like it was the last one for a long time. Farmers, ranchers and even if you live in town you need to be aware of water conservation.
If you listen to radio and television you may have heard of water battles between municipalities and farmers over irrigation water. It’s a tough argument of both sides. Cities need water for the people, farmers need water to grow the crop which ultimately feeds the people. And we certainly do not want to import all our food. No one could afford that. Too often we see water running down the street from lawns that are being improperly watered. This not only waste water but carries unused nutrients off the yard and into the sewer system. Lakes across Texas are at critical levels and water usage is at the highest. Water rationing is in effect in many major cities. Each household has to be responsible for conserving water.
There are many practices a farmer or rancher can use to protect the land and save water. Our rangeland has to have a good cover of turf to hold the soil. This grass slows the movement of water across the soil surface allowing more to soak in. This may sound like a double edged sword. Slowing the water down will not run as much water into our lakes and streams but what does will be clean. Our water supplies are being decreased due to siltation of our lakes. Putting water into the ground will replenish the aquifers which will reemerge as springs, thus clean water. An over abundance of brush uses a huge amount of ground water. It is proven that when excess brush is removed from aquifer recharge areas springs become active.
Terraces, waterways, contour farming, minimum or reduced tillage and managing crop residues protect farmland and again allow water infiltration. People tend to get ingrained in doing the same practices year after year, “Because that’s the way we always did it”. Some of these practices are good but new technology and research shows that some change is good. Recreational plowing not only waste fuel but allows moisture to evaporate. Recreational farming can be referred to plowing after each rain just to stir the ground. The usual flush of weeds after a rain can be managed with spraying or by waiting just a little longer to plow.
Looking up into the clear blue sky one can only imagine how marvelous a drop of rain really is. It is a miracle and one that God sends us when we need it. We can’t make it rain, so when we have prayed for it and God decides we are ready for the rain we have to be ready to manage it and conserve it. So until next time keep it “On the Level”.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Partners in Conservation
Working Hand In Hand To Protect Our Natural Resources
If you are involved in agriculture you are probably familiar with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Runnels Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). These two agencies have been formed to assist farmers and ranchers in conserving our natural resources. Let’s take a look at these agencies and what they do.
The Soil Conservation Districts in the United States were started in the 1930’s when the Dust Bowl became one of this country’s greatest ecological disasters. Following a severe drought in the Midwest region of the country known as the Great Plains, the regions soil began to erode and blow away creating huge dust storms that blotted out the sun and destroyed property. The dust storms stretched across the nation from Texas to New York. It is said that the dust actually sifted into the White House and settled on the desk of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While testifying in Congress about soil erosion, soil scientist Hugh Hammond Bennett threw back the curtains to reveal a sky filled with dust. Congress passed legislation declaring soil and water conservation a national priority. With nearly three-fourths of the land being privately owned it was important to get the support from the local landowners.
In 1937, President Roosevelt wrote the governors of all the states recommending legislation that would allow local landowners to form soil conservation districts. The legislation was a success and today there are nearly 3000 conservation districts.
The Districts in each county is made up of board members who are landowners representing a zone in the county where they live. The districts receive money from the state along with raising money locally to support the conservation effort. The Runnels SWCD sponsors an Outdoor Classroom for the 5th graders of Runnels County. The district sells windbreak trees, fish and grass/forbs seed. They also sponsor Soil Stewardship pamphlets, conservation comic books for 3rd graders and give support to the NRCS.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly the Soil Conservation Service was also started in the 1930’s. NRCS is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The service works directly with farmers and ranchers who need assistance with erosion problems, brush control, livestock water needs, wildlife management or developing conservation plan on the farm or ranch to best manage the resources. These plans provide a direction and a time line to address problems and manage the land. The plan is strictly voluntary and we work with the producer in the development of the plan.
The NRCS has a Wed site to access much of our information. The site is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.
So when you see these names in the paper and around town you will have a better idea just who we are. For more information you can contact us at 365-3415 ext. 3 or come by the office at 2000 Hutchins Ave. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
What is Erosion?
Technically speaking, wind or water erosion is the physical wearing of the soil surface. The surface of the soil is removed in the process.
In a bulletin published by the National Soil Survey Center dated April 1996 states “Erosion removes topsoil, reduces levels of soil organic matter and contributes to the breakdown of soil structure”. In shallow soils the ideal area for root growth is limited which restricts water, air and nutrients available to the plants. The soil surface is a whole world in itself with the biological activity taking place in the top few inches.
Nutrients removed by erosion are no longer available to plants growth. These nutrients are washed into our rivers, stream and lakes. This contributes to algae blooms which can kill fish to enhancing moss growth. The sediment reduces the amount of storage in our lakes. If you passed by the causeway on Elm creek a couple of years ago when the creek was dry, the depositing of sediment was very evident. What looks to be a large body of water is only a few feet deep. At the dam in the Ballinger City Park there is well of 10 feet of silt.
Here in West Texas we do have wind. That cannot be disputed. Wind erosion is obvious by the dust clouds, soil accumulation along fence rows and ditches adjacent to fields. Exposed soil surfaces during critical times will allow the wind to move soil particles. As these soil particles roll along the ground they jar loose more particles. The lighter soil particles are blown into the air while the heavier ones continue to scour the soil surface.
Erosion by both wind and water can be reduced by maintaining a protective cover on the soil. This cover can consist of growing cover crop or by managing the crop residues. Residue will stop the soil particles from rolling and hold the soil together. The dead matter will help increase water infiltration reducing runoff and shading the soil surface keeping the soil from loosing moisture through evaporation.
This planet takes hundreds of years to produce one inch of soil so we as stewards of the land have to be careful in taking care of the land. The better job we do now will pay dividends in the future not only for us but generations to come.
For more information on soil erosion please call the Natural Resources Conservation Service at 325-365-3415 ext. 3 or come by 2000 Hutchins Ave. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Conservation, Be Aware and Care
Diversion Terraces, Managing Runoff Recent dry weather patterns have started me thinking about excess run-off water. With the spotted rain showers of the recent weeks of July and the extended dry spell we are in, should make farmers and ranchers think about using that run-off water to benefit their operations. Do you have a farm pond that does not quite fill up with a normal rain? Is there a gully or draw which by-passes your pond? Does pasture or rangeland above your cropland fields release excess run-off and wreck your terrace system? If so, a solution to your problem may be a diversion terrace. A diversion terrace can route that water to another location such as a farm pond, grassed waterway, underground pipe outlet, or other suitable locations. It may provide that extra few inches of water in your stock tank that can stretch your livestock water to the next rain. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides the technical assistance for designing and building an effective diversion terrace. When requested, the NRCS will make an on-site inspection of the area. Depending upon the vegetative cover and soil type, the diversion can be set to a grade which keeps the velocity of water low, thus preventing erosion. Drainage area, percent of slope, vegetative cover, and rainfall potential are all incorporated to determine the height and design of the diversion terrace. Diversions on rangeland should be planted to a grass cover to control the build-up of sediment caused by erosion. The diversion channel may be planted to a variety of grasses. Two grass species to consider are K.R. Bluestem and Haskell Sideoats. These grasses provide excellent ground cover. K.R. Bluestem, being somewhat less palatable than other native grass species, livestock will tend to not overgraze this area while other forage is available. Sideoats is a hardy grass and will bounce back from adverse conditions. This will provide more cover for this critical area and some additional forage potential. Should a diversion be needed in a cropland field to protect a terrace system, the diversion can be designed to permit it to be farmed, depending on the soil type. If you find it hard to justify the cost of constructing a diversion, consider the cost of repairing terraces and other damage caused by this excess run-off or the value of extra water in your farm pond. For more information on diversion terraces, please come by the NRCS office at 2000 Hutchins in Ballinger or call 365-3415 ext. 3. All programs and services of the NRCS are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regards for race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status or handicap. 7-19-2009 In this column I will attempt to give information on different conservation practices, timely maintenance of these practices and information on conservation in general. I hope this will be a reminder that we all must aware of nature and its beauty whether it is cropland, rangeland or your backyard. Conservation begins at home, then applied to the land. If you have questions about conservation please contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Our phone number is 325-365-3415 ext.3 or come by to visit us at the Farm Service Center located at 2000 Hutchins Ave. close to Sonic and Wal-Mart. So until next time “See you ON THE LEVEL” USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. |
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