In our previous blog we mentioned some ideas about planning for drought on your Colorado Property. In addition to conserving and storing water there are some preliminary measures that can be taken to reduce water needs. More ranchers and farmers are raising animals and crops that require less water in drought times. At the same time land owners are studying the amounts of food their animals eat and the amount of water the crops are using more closely. Getting contracts for water hay and other feed sources early can save money and ensure its availability.
Colorado Land owners can help mitigate drought by adding and maintaining riparian conservation buffers like grassed waterways, and filter strips near streams or other water sources. Testing soil moisture each day by feel and appearance can help to judge water needs and avoid wasting water. Using leftover tillage or residue from harvest can help to reduce evaporation and keep soils moist. Another conservation method to keep in mind is reducing runoff waste by creating a better infiltration system ensuring that the water allotted for the land gets actually gets absorbed by the land. These are basic drought mitigation principals that even experienced Colorado land owners might need to be reminded of.
