What is Source Water and Why Protect It?
Surface Water Sources
Surface water sources like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are vital components of the hydrologic cycle and provide essential water for communities across Canada. These bodies of water are replenished by precipitation, surface runoff, and groundwater discharge. However, they are also vulnerable to pollution from various sources, including agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial activities. The Source Water Collaborative works to protect these precious resources by promoting sustainable land use practices, such as …
Safeguarding Our Water at the Source: How the Source Water Collaborative Protects Our Most Precious Resource
Soil and Water Conservation: Preserving Alberta’s Agricultural Lifeline
Soil and water are the lifeblood of agriculture, yet these precious resources face mounting threats from erosion, pollution, and climate change. The fate of our farms, our food supply, and our planet depends on how we steward the land and the water that sustains it. Soil and water conservation is not just an environmental imperative – it is an existential necessity for farmers and for all of humanity.
Through proven practices like cover cropping, contour plowing, and precision irrigation, farmers have the power to protect and regenerate the soil, conserve water, and build resilient agroecosystems. By working with nature …
7 Smart Water-Saving Strategies for Alberta Farmers to Thrive in Dry Times
Implement cover cropping to protect soil, reduce evaporation, and improve water infiltration. Adopt no-till or minimal tillage practices to preserve soil structure, organic matter, and moisture retention. Optimize irrigation scheduling and technology to apply water precisely when and where crops need it most. Embrace the principles of conservation agriculture – …
5 Surprising Ways Agricultural Water Management Boosts Yields and Sustainability
Monitor soil moisture levels regularly to optimize irrigation scheduling and prevent over- or under-watering crops. Improve water infiltration by maintaining soil organic matter, minimizing tillage, and using cover crops to enhance soil structure. Implement efficient irrigation systems like drip or micro-sprinklers to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff losses. Collect and store rainwater or runoff in ponds or cisterns for use during dry periods, supplementing …
Bioinfiltration: Nature’s Solution for Clean Water and Thriving Farms
Bioinfiltration offers a sustainable solution for managing agricultural runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing soil health. This innovative technique harnesses the power of natural processes to filter pollutants and excess nutrients from water before it enters groundwater or nearby water bodies. By channeling runoff through vegetated swales, detention basins, or other engineered structures, bioinfiltration systems allow water to percolate through layers of soil, gravel, and organic matter. As the water moves through these layers, physical, chemical, and biological processes work together to remove contaminants, such as sediment, …
Groundwater Irrigation: Tapping the Hidden Lifeline for Sustainable Farming
Groundwater irrigation is a vital resource for farmers in arid regions, providing a reliable water supply when surface water is scarce. In Alberta, where agriculture is a key economic driver, efficient and sustainable groundwater management is crucial for the long-term viability of farming communities. With advancements in technology and best practices, groundwater irrigation offers numerous benefits, from increased crop yields to improved drought resilience. However, overuse and mismanagement can lead to aquifer depletion and water quality issues, underscoring the importance of responsible stewardship. As climate change intensifies water …
7 Game-Changing Water Strategies for Alberta Farmers to Thrive Despite Drought
Invest in efficient irrigation systems like drip or sprinkler methods to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff losses. Implement soil management practices such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and mulching to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and minimize erosion. Choose drought-tolerant crop varieties and native plant species that require less water and are well-adapted to local climate conditions. Recycle and reuse water wherever possible, such as capturing rainwater for irrigation or using greywater from household sources for landscaping needs.
Efficient Irrigation …
Is Your Organic Farm Polluting the Water? 5 Ways to Prevent It
Organic farming’s reliance on natural fertilizers and soil amendments has led to an alarming rise in water pollution across rural Alberta. Manure runoff, improper composting, and overuse of “organic” pesticides are contaminating groundwater, rivers, and lakes with nitrates, phosphates, and toxic chemicals. This silent crisis threatens aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human health in farming communities province-wide.
As stewards of the land, organic farmers must confront this issue head-on to protect our precious water resources. By implementing scientifically-proven best practices and partnering with local …
How Water Infiltration Boosts Your Farm’s Resilience: What Every Canadian Farmer Should Know
Enhance water infiltration on your farm by optimizing soil structure through regular soil testing and amendment with organic matter, such as compost or well-aged manure. Utilize cover crops like clover or rye to improve soil permeability and retain moisture, thus bolstering root development. Implement conservation tillage techniques to minimize soil disruption, preserving organic layers that facilitate water entry. Construct contour swales or trenches on sloped lands to divert rainwater effectively into the ground, reducing runoff and erosion. Engage with local agricultural experts, as their insights can guide personalized infiltration …