We aim to rehabilitate the existing dam, improve soil quality through vertical tilling, and consider swales/drains for water management. Additionally, we plan to install a second dam to capture water on the property.
While we have adequate rainfall in this area, we still think there's an opportunity to do more with water catchment on the farm. Most of the water that hits the plant may run off and onto Main Neerim Road.
Rehabilitating and Making use of existing Dam
The existing dam at the start of Hemp Hills Creek seems to be full and healthy, but could do with some more work. Eg removing fallen trees, removing blackberries from the surrounds, and checking fish stock. Frog population seems ok with common hardy variety being heard and spotted.
Vertical Tilling with Yeoman’s plough
Much of the paddock is relatively compacted and not aerated soil, so we would like to use a Yeoman’s plough to break up the soil, combined with some compost teas to help improve the soil quality. However, we're also thinking about the Yeoman's plough as a way to slow the progress of water across the land rather than holding too much water in a swale. Our thinking here is that we only get enough water to make the ground very damp, and we don't really need to hold so much more in swales, and we think that vertical tilling will be more appropriate on our land.
Possible swales/drains
We will wait to spend more time sitting with the land to determine if these are required or not:
- To catch water before it flows off the property on the eastern side
- Possible swale to channel water toward the ridge for the Market Gardens
- Possible swales to slow water progress on steep Long Paddock for fruit and nut trees
Possible second dam
At the bottom of the boundary track in the North, there is a natural water gathering place - a low point - and we have an opportunity to install another dam to capture this water before it runs off the property.
Relevant Permaculture Principles
All permaculture principles inform all aspect of the permaculture design and operations—these more so than others.
By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need.
Make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our consumptive behaviour and dependence on non-renewable resources.
The wellbeing of ourselves, our kin, and community is the best indicator of how we are going.
Caring for all life, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and minimal resource consumption for well-being and beyond sustainability.
Actions
Remove overgrowth, particularly the invasive blackberries, and clear debris and fallen trees to ensure the dam is fully functional and accessible.
Set up a pump and a holding tank system at the dam to facilitate gravity-fed irrigation across the farm, enhancing water distribution efficiency.
Before using the dam water for irrigation, conduct thorough water quality tests to ensure it's safe for crop and livestock usage.
Work with the neighbouring property to explore and possibly transition to organic herbicide alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and water sources.
Finish connecting the new large tank to the house to improve water collection and distribution across the property by April 2024.
Integrate automatic transfer systems to efficiently move water from collection points to storage, optimizing water use and reducing manual labor.
Construct rainwater harvesting systems, such as ponds or swales, to capture and store water during periods of high rainfall. This can provide a water source for irrigation during drier periods, ensuring consistent plant growth and soil moisture levels.
Add a new 70,000 L tank to increase total water storage capacity, ensuring a sustainable supply even during dry conditions.
Equip the large water tank with a CFA connector and a quick link to support emergency services, such as fire fighting.
Consider the construction of an additional dam at the northernmost point of the property to capture and utilise runoff more effectively.
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