See all of the reasons why you should consider installing a water storage mechanism on your farm or ranch.
Florida is no stranger to high levels of precipitation, especially during the summer rainy season. According to a UF/IFAS blog article on climate change and utilizing natural resources to mitigate those changes, “precipitation patterns are changing.” They cite NASA as maintaining “this is caused by rising temperatures intensifying the global water cycle, which increases evaporation; this increased evaporation causes more intense storms including tropical storms and hurricanes. The changes in precipitation are seen in longer stretches of dry periods between rains, and heavier rain during these events.” The article adds that the EPA cautions that “heavy precipitation can cause crop damage, soil erosion, increased flood risk, and water quality issues.
The article also maintains that “Natural resources and managed lands provide services that are integral to flood resilience.” See recommendations from the article, and resources to help with a water storage mechanism, below.
Water Storage Mechanism Benefits and Resources
The article cites Benita Whalen, P.E., President of Dispersed Management LLC and past SFWMD employee, as saying “Undeveloped lands—including natural areas, farmland, and ranchland—play an essential role in mitigating the impacts of flooding. Pastureland and ranches can retain water without compromising grass growth for cattle, increasing the capacity of the regional drainage system.”
Options for a water storage mechanism are numerous. “Adding water storage or flood control to accommodate the changed landscape can be vital. Many farms, ranches, and working lands have water storage mechanisms, from retention ponds to large-scale stormwater storage,” according to the article.
Another option is dispersed water management, which, according to the article, is “the process of redistributing shallow water across parcel landscape using natural features and simple structures”.
The article shared the following programs with agencies on water retention and abatement for landowners:
- “Climate-Smart EQIP offered by NRCS
- Wetland Reserve Easements program offered by NRCS
- Dispersed Water Management by SFWMD is preparing a second round of RFPs
- Water Farming and Storage incentives offered by SFWMD”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.
