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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~f;l~ Q'Q~ '..:; I..J ...:. ~j t.1 .} 1) Deep plowing/clay pan controls. On many soils found in the High Plains region, either a naturally occurring or man-made (plow pan) layer of soil occurs at various depths that restrict soil moisture infiltration, limits effective root zone depths, or otherwise constrains favorab 1 e pl ant-soil-moi sture re 1 at i onshi ps. Conserva- t i on pract ices such as deep p 1 owi ng or chi se 1 i ng of such cultivated areas will usually improve plant growth, soil moisture conditions and provide other advantages. Soil surveys prepared by the USDA/SCS are used to identify areas needing this kind of treatment. 2) Terracing/benching/leveling/diversions terracing, benching, leveling and other treatment methods can be used to effectively improve ~oil moisture infiltration, prevent runoff, increase deep percol ati on and decrease i rri gat ion requi rements on cult i vated areas. Soil moisture that would otherwise be lost to runoff or evaporation is a source of local water supply augmen- tation. These methods are already applied widely in the High Plains Region. 3) Soil conditioning/mulching - crop rotations, good resi- due management, and other methods of improving soil tilth and condition can increase the soil's infiltration capacity and water holding capacity. Better infiltra- tion and deep percolation increase and/or conserve ground water suppl ies, and improve soil moisture capa- city in the root zone with resultant higher crop yields with lower pumping requi rements. Runoff from excessive rates of precipitation or irrigation is reduced signifi- cantly and costs of recapturing runoff waters can be minimized. 21