Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
up by plants, or migrates beyond the surface to recharge the under-
ground aquifer. As runoff, surface water feeds streams, lakes, and other
water bodies. Water on the surface that permeates into the soil later will
transpire or evaporate from the soil and water bodies as water vapor.
The water vapor returns to the atmosphere later to resume the natural
water cycle.
Water is vital to life, offering a multitude of positive attributes
that sustain life and natural processes. Without water, life on this
planet would not exist. However, there are situations when life with
less water is necessary, particularly when water enters our lives as
heavy storms and surface runoff. Storm water that moves across the
ground can cause damage and havoc where human beings live, play,
and work. Unwanted surface water can cause flooding and damage
within the built environment. Moving surface water can cause erosion
and undermine walls and structures, causing structural damage. One
of the goals of landscape grading is to manage and direct rain and sur-
face flowing water to eliminate or minimize the damage and calamities
caused by uncontrolled water. In other cases, it may be desirable to col-
lect and store storm water, as opposed to disposing of it. Stored water
can be used for irrigation and other desirable and sustainable water
management practices.
If you look carefully in the right of
the middle ground in Figure 14.2, you will
see a pattern of leaves that echoes the
swale almost precisely. The position of the
leaves serves as a reminder of the amount
of water that filled the swale during eve-
ning rains that fell several hours earlier.
The swale was filled at the height of the
storm to the level where the leaves were
deposited. The area is not a great expanse
of lawn, but it managed to receive a
Figure 14.2
Leaves as a watermark or witness to the level
of storm water that filled the grassy swale after a late after-
noon rain
