LAND DEVELOPMENT (FOR IRRIGATION)

The following constitutes a partial listing of land development and improvement activities normally associated with irrigation projects. While these techniques have been prevalent in the past and have had a beneficial effect on land from an agricultural productivity standpoint, more recent concerns over wetland preservation and restoration and wildlife habitat concerns have tended to more recently restrict their widespread usage. (1) Land Leveling and Smoothing: Leveling to a more uniform grade to permit more efficient gravity irrigation and to facilitate surface drainage on undulating lands developed for sprinkler or drip irrigation; (2) Artificial Drainage: Installation of tile drains or ditches or installation of drainage wells to facilitate the removal of excess water from lands prone to accumulate excess water; (3) Deep Ripping: When some lands, especially older terrace deposits, develop hardpan or cemented layers, if relatively thin in nature, they can often be ripped by powerful equipment thereby deepening the effective root zone and improving internal soil drainage; (4) Soil Amendments: In order to improve the chemical and physical properties of the soil, it is sometimes necessary to apply gypsum, sulfur, or farm manure to the land; (5) Terracing: A technique specifically designed for sloping land to prevent accelerated erosion on exposed slopes; (6) Land Clearing: Initially and periodically, brush and trees must be cleared from irrigated lands to improve overall productivity; (7) Surface Outlet Excavation: A technique to provide an outlet for standing water, most common in prior glacial areas where many closed depressions allow for the accumulation of runoff during wet periods; (8) Tailwater Return Systems: Allow for the recycling and reuse of farm runoff water for additional irrigation; (9) Rock Removal: Particularly prevalent in glacial areas, initial and periodic surface rock is especially important for development and on-going use of irrigated lands; (10) Shelter Belt Planting: Mitigates wind erosion and provides cover for livestock and wildlife by planting tree lines in strategically located areas in and around irrigated fields.