The pressure’s on to manage water better

1 February 2016

Managing water is one of the many skills New Zealand farmers need to master. With increasing stock numbers, higher production targets, clean waterways regulations and the effects of climate change, good water management is more important than ever.

Thankfully, the collection and storage of water has become somewhat easier. The Bailey range of lightweight, plastic moulded tanks make for straightforward installation of large capacity water storage on the farm. With minimal effort, every farm building roof can be put to work as a catchment area to harvest rainwater for the farmhouse and shed supply.

Effective water management increases land productivity and value and makes your farming operation more sustainable. Well-drained soils are essential for maximum grass growth. The longer soil takes to get rid of excess water, the slower the grass growth and the greater the chance of cows developing hoof problems.

Wet soils are prone to pugging, so on top of pasture damage from cows and machinery, heavily compacted soil will inhibit the future growth of clover and seed germination in crops. Compaction deprives the plant roots of oxygen and nutrients and slows growth. Pugging also leads to considerable overland flow of sediment and effluent into waterways.

Good water management will maximise soil productivity, but it’s also vital to protect productive soil from being washed away by heavy rain. Planting trees on slopes or fencing to keep stock off steep sections are tried and true practices. These methods can be further enhanced by positioning drains carefully and laying low-cost Bailey Black Snake drainage pipe to divert the flow. It’s worth noting that, in some instances, avoiding drainage in certain areas may be beneficial. If you simply fence off naturally-occurring springs and gullies that are swampy you may end up doing your farm a huge favour. Such wetland areas perform a valuable function by reducing flood flows and filtering runoff.

Farm races are another area where good drainage is essential. Bailey Bazooka culverts and Black Snake drainage pipe can help prevent a race becoming waterlogged after rain, thereby reducing the chance of cows sustaining hoof injuries. Because cows will always select to walk where it’s dry, moving the herd becomes slow progress if the race is half under water. You also have to be mindful of the slope of the race to ensure that effluent does not flow into neighbouring waterways.

Implementing good water management practices now will help ensure the long-term future of your farm, your stock and the environment.

For more information on implementing good water management practices for your farm, talk to your local Technical Sales Rep or visit your Fonterra Farm Source store.

Article supplied by Bailey Tanks