It is said that 90 percent of the moisture received from rain and snow fall comes from the oceans of the world. With this knowledge it can be considered a relief that nature has the tools to renew the fresh water that is needed by every living thing. Yet it is common knowledge that we are running short of that valuable resource as numerous rivers are drying up, manmade freshwater lakes have filled with eroded soil, and our ground-well water production capability is becoming less with each passing day.
It is obvious that as modern man keeps coming up with new uses of the available fresh water, along with already existing water use, the pressure on the entire water system is becoming unsustainable. While individuals can have little effect on the ‘big picture’, when it comes to those rangeland managers and their direct effect on their piece of land, a huge difference can be made. With nature providing the ‘new’ water from the salty oceans, that manager can help provide healthy lands that slow runoff, store water in the soil and build an effective water cycle.
Photo shows, even under dry conditions, what can be achieved with a good grazing program. Note the line of green grasses to the left, which is adjacent to a runoff area, but not directly in it. As the deep-rooted plants that established within the runoff area have expanded, the plants just outside the area can grow during the dry spell utilizing the moisture from the runoff but not actually being in the overflow area.
As a sub note: Observe the few bare spots with no cover. Perhaps can be considered Quail habitat, bare spots don’t have to be large for dusting areas; small ones will suffice. (Would be interested in the quail guru’s thoughts on this.)
THE BETTER IT GETS, THE FASTER IT GETS BETTER
