Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Conservation and Efficient Use of Water
Plan Goals
Overall goal of this project is to meet present and future water demand through conservation measures that not only expand the efficient use of available water resources, but also create new water supplies.
Impact Reports
Funding for the Rio Grande Basin Initiative was secured for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Currently there are 12 Research and Extension Projects along with 8 County Projects. Evaluation, outcomes and deliverables for this project are outlined in the 2008-2009 Progress Report, which is prepared annually by TAMU and NMSU. This report is located on the RGBI NMSU website (http://aces.nmsu.edu/rgbi).
As identified by the local horticultural advisory committee, water conservation education remained a major focus of the Los Alamos horticulture agent during the reporting period. Major collaboration continued with the Department of Public Utilities.
The distribution of informational inserts in two monthly utility billings looked at irrigation system efficiency as their primary focus. The inserts are distributed to 7200 households and businesses throughout the county. Post-distribution surveys show that not only are the inserts well received, but that over 60% of the readers increase their knowledge by over 75%.
There were also a number of public programs, including two plant selection presentations, two general xeriscape presentations and a presentation by nationally renowned xeriscape author Marsha Tatroe, who made a presentation of the evolution of a xeriscape garden. The total number of participants in these programs exceeded 153 participants with over 82% of the participants indicating a better that 80% increase in knowledge about basic xeriscape principles and selection of plants adapted to Los Alamos County.
The horticulture agent spent considerable time preparing an information pamphlet for local businesses on using planted containers as a way to increase there “business curb appeal and conserve water at the same time. The pamphlet contained information on all aspects of container gardening during all four seasons of the year. It was prepared in collaboration with the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center as a part of larger effort to increase the appeal of Los Alamos businesses fronts. A container garden was established at the Los Alamos Visitors Center as an example to local businesses. The information was also made available on-line.
In addition, the agent hosted two workshops to local businesses and landscape contractors on irrigation system efficiency as part of “best practices” guidelines being developed in collaboration with the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center. There were 19 businesses and contractors attending the workshops.
Continued progress was made in the development of the Los Alamos Demonstration Garden, a ¾ acre garden devoted to demonstrating water conservation principles to county residents. There was continued progress on the reestablishment of the oasis, transition and xeric plantings, as well as continued work on the herb garden. There were also new plantings of native shrubbery in the native area of the garden. Work began on two new plantings. The first is a planting featuring shade tolerant plants for heavy soils. The second, a project to build a vertical rock garden featuring plants that can establish in the vertical spaces between rocks. Both situations commonly found in Los Alamos county gardens. An estimated 750 people visit the garden each year and community surveys continually a vast majority (74%) of the citizens find garden of “great value”.
The agent made 907 one-on-one contacts specific to water conservation and xeriscapes during the reporting period (includes primarily plant selection and proper irrigation techniques, selection and use of mulches and general cultural contacts (includes fertilizing, pruning, etc.) One-on-one contacts continue to be a major part of the water conservation effort. Surveys of sample clientele indicate an average of over 75% gain in knowledge about the specific water conservation issue discussed in consultation with the agent.
Overall, outdoor water use has continued to trend downward since water conservation efforts were started in earnest in 2002.
The distribution of informational inserts in two monthly utility billings looked at irrigation system efficiency as their primary focus. The inserts are distributed to 7200 households and businesses throughout the county. Post-distribution surveys show that not only are the inserts well received, but that over 60% of the readers increase their knowledge by over 75%.
There were also a number of public programs, including two plant selection presentations, two general xeriscape presentations and a presentation by nationally renowned xeriscape author Marsha Tatroe, who made a presentation of the evolution of a xeriscape garden. The total number of participants in these programs exceeded 153 participants with over 82% of the participants indicating a better that 80% increase in knowledge about basic xeriscape principles and selection of plants adapted to Los Alamos County.
The horticulture agent spent considerable time preparing an information pamphlet for local businesses on using planted containers as a way to increase there “business curb appeal and conserve water at the same time. The pamphlet contained information on all aspects of container gardening during all four seasons of the year. It was prepared in collaboration with the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center as a part of larger effort to increase the appeal of Los Alamos businesses fronts. A container garden was established at the Los Alamos Visitors Center as an example to local businesses. The information was also made available on-line.
In addition, the agent hosted two workshops to local businesses and landscape contractors on irrigation system efficiency as part of “best practices” guidelines being developed in collaboration with the Los Alamos Small Business Development Center. There were 19 businesses and contractors attending the workshops.
Continued progress was made in the development of the Los Alamos Demonstration Garden, a ¾ acre garden devoted to demonstrating water conservation principles to county residents. There was continued progress on the reestablishment of the oasis, transition and xeric plantings, as well as continued work on the herb garden. There were also new plantings of native shrubbery in the native area of the garden. Work began on two new plantings. The first is a planting featuring shade tolerant plants for heavy soils. The second, a project to build a vertical rock garden featuring plants that can establish in the vertical spaces between rocks. Both situations commonly found in Los Alamos county gardens. An estimated 750 people visit the garden each year and community surveys continually a vast majority (74%) of the citizens find garden of “great value”.
The agent made 907 one-on-one contacts specific to water conservation and xeriscapes during the reporting period (includes primarily plant selection and proper irrigation techniques, selection and use of mulches and general cultural contacts (includes fertilizing, pruning, etc.) One-on-one contacts continue to be a major part of the water conservation effort. Surveys of sample clientele indicate an average of over 75% gain in knowledge about the specific water conservation issue discussed in consultation with the agent.
Overall, outdoor water use has continued to trend downward since water conservation efforts were started in earnest in 2002.
Two demonstration/research projects were initiated for this year under the Rio Grande Basin Initiative. Under this funding, Agent was able to purchase new technology to aid in data collection, lab analysis fees and hired a student worker to collect data on the project.
Project 1: In collaboration with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the project was looking at the quality of water in the irrigation district. Concern by producers of high concentrations of “salts” in early irrigation water for Chile crops prompted the initial interest. No water quality data exists. Information from this data could influence the MRGCD’s management decisions at the Unit 7 dam and how river water is diverted. Producers could utilize data to make planting decisions.
Project 2: Producer Chris Sichler has invested in a sub-irrigation drip system for his Chile crop. Calculations can be made to set the amount of water, but all information comes from the Lordsburg, NM area. Utilizing soil moisture sensors, efficiency of water and timing of watering can be determined. Sichler currently uses plant stress as a determination for watering, which is working very well. By applying a data logger to the field quantitative data can be collected to assist other producers if they implement drip irrigation. Sichler has already decreased water use by 40% and decreased labor cost on these fields.
Project 1: In collaboration with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the project was looking at the quality of water in the irrigation district. Concern by producers of high concentrations of “salts” in early irrigation water for Chile crops prompted the initial interest. No water quality data exists. Information from this data could influence the MRGCD’s management decisions at the Unit 7 dam and how river water is diverted. Producers could utilize data to make planting decisions.
Project 2: Producer Chris Sichler has invested in a sub-irrigation drip system for his Chile crop. Calculations can be made to set the amount of water, but all information comes from the Lordsburg, NM area. Utilizing soil moisture sensors, efficiency of water and timing of watering can be determined. Sichler currently uses plant stress as a determination for watering, which is working very well. By applying a data logger to the field quantitative data can be collected to assist other producers if they implement drip irrigation. Sichler has already decreased water use by 40% and decreased labor cost on these fields.
2009 Program Year: Over 30 visits, phone calls, or emails from the public regarding rainwater harvesting have occurred over the past 12 months. In addition, VCEMG volunteers have developed a plant clinic curriculum on the seven principles of landscape water conservation, which includes ancient methods of water conservation, new techniques (e.g. drip irrigation), and rainwater harvesting. These plant clinics, held at local schools, community fairs, events, and businesses have resulted in approximately 1,000 personal interactions with the public, of which VCEMG volunteers estimate at least 80% were related to water conservation in the home landscape. In addition, recent Middle Rio Grande water use statistics indicated a decline in urban and agricultural water consumption in the Middle Rio Grande.
In Guadalupe county we have recently formed the Pecos Watershed Conservation Coalition This newly formed group is a clear demonstration on the type of thinking that is critcal for future improvement neccessary to insure that water conservation continues to be in the fore front of every ones mind. The 38 Pintada producers that make up this group want every one to know that what we do now for the future of their children will pay dividends in the years ahead . The Don Thompson ranch held a summer tour of thier ranch to show what has been done to remove brush species and to put in short term annual agronomic crops for the cover of bare ground . With rains coming at the correct time they were able to grow several types of short and long term crops, such a oats sorghum sudan and alfalfa . These crops help to cover the ground and to help stop wind erosion as well as help to develop a root system for intake storage of nutrients. The other plant species such as alafalfa will help in the development of nitrogen for grass growth. Of course new managenment ideas will have to be implimented to insure crop and animal survival . The Pintada Watershed Conservation Coalition will be applying for 150,000 in NRCS funding for future years. Also because they organized this group. The state NRCS has determined that more funding could come thier way. Because of their organization status and the way credit is allocated to organizations on a state wide basis .