WSP06206

• File Number: 8278.200
• Description: Title I - Wellton-Mohawk
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 8/1/1988
• Author: USDOI/SCS
• Title: Wellton-Mohawk ON-Farm Irrigation Improvement Program Post-Evaluation Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

V. PLANNING

SCS's role ~as to reduce deep percolation. This was done by assisting far~ers
to i~prove their soil, water and plant syste~s and management. Application of
these improved systems and irrigation water management boosted irrigation
efficiencies. Highest priority for receiving assistance was first given to
those farms which had the lowest efficiencies according to the Wellton-Moha.k
Irrigation and Drainage District records. The federal cost-share for
installing eligible practices was 75 percent of the average installation
cost. A list of eligible practices was maintained at the project office and
the average costs were checked and modified each year.

When a farmer's application for assistance was received and selected, he and
the Service planner would develop a conservation plan and contract. The
procedure used in developing the conservation plan and contract was as
follows:

--A soil scientist made
variations were delineated
interpreted potentials and

a detailed soil survey
on aerial photographs.
limitations of soils.

of the farm. Soil types and
The soil scientist

--The soil conservstionist with the soil conservation and engineering
technicians completed the resource inventory. They mapped the existing
irriga:lon system, including lengths of irrigation run and slopes. The farmer
decided upon the crops to be grown during the life of the contract. The use
of crop residue, tillage, fertilizer and yields were discussed.

Using this inventory information, the conservationist developed alternative
treatments which would accomplish the goals. The conservationist reviewed the
alternative treatments with the farmer. When the farmer decided on the
treatment to be applied, they developed a conservation plan. The plan listed
the practices to be applied and when the work was to be done and change
expected in water use, yields, labor and number of irrigations. A contract
was then prepared and signed by the farmer.

--The contract was then signed by the Project Leader, reviewed by the SCS
Area Office and then the Contracting Officer (State Administrative Officer)
gave final approval.

. --The project staff provided technical assistance in
'installation and follow-up of each iostalled practice.
standards and specifications developed for the practice
for cost-sharing.

desigo, layout,
This insured that the
were met and qualified'

Impacts were~ummarized from conservstion impact worksheets completed as part
of and during the plsnning process. Documenting physical conditions before
and after the planning and application of resource mansgement systems was done
by this organized method. It emphasized resource inventories, problem
quantification, alternative solutions, the cause of change and the total
changes or impacts. They were summarized by these soil textures--coarse,
medium and fine--for alfalfa, cotton and wheat. The major physical changes
used in this post evaluation were irrigation water, number of irrigations,
irrigation labor, crop yields, ditch capacity and number of turnouts by type.

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