by Bob Buchanan, Alberta Agriculture, Barrhead, Alberta
In the Peace River Region of northwestern Alberta, farmers and agricultural specialists have joined forces to solve some serious dugout water quality problems. Three farm dugout demonstration sites have been started to promote sound dugout management practices.Most of the region is characterized by large amounts of spring and summer runoff water, highly erodible soils and little or no groundwater. Farmers there must rely heavily on dugouts for their household and livestock water supplies.
On June 12, 1990 most of the region received I 00 to 200 millimetres of rain in one storm. Heavy runoff caused serious soil erosion and many farm dugouts turned to MUD SOUP. The high nutrient levels deposited in the dugouts resulted in an abundant growth of algae and weeds later in the summer.
Construction of the dugout demonstration projects began last fall and will be completed in the summer of 199 1. A major focus of the projects is to prevent soil (nutrients) from entering the dugout. If this soil gets into the dugout it will promote algae and weed growth. The projects include: the construction of dikes around the dugouts, gated culverts to let only clean water into the dugouts, grassed waterways and watersheds, plus a number of other design and treatment techniques. The projects tie in with a number of local soil conservation efforts undertaken by the Agricultural Service Boards. Summer tours are being planned to promote these dugout management practices to local farmers.
Soil deposition in farm dugouts is not a problem exclusive to the Peace River Region. Preliminary measurements from across Alberta show that on an average year, 40 to 80 tons of soil is deposited in every dugout. The soil deposition results from soil erosion caused by a combination of wind, water and livestock trampling in the dugout. If your water quality is continuing to deteriorate each year, closely examine the water quality that enters the dugout. Take some preventative measures to ensure that good water quality enters the dugout. This will help to keep the "mud" out of "your soup".
