California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
As part of a cutting edge move, the Almond Board of California has partnered with Sustainable Conservation, an environmental group, and researchers from UC Davis to try and recharge underground aquifers. In preparation for a wet El Nino season, three Almond farmers have agreed to flood their growing fields when the rain hits. The idea is that the excess water will soak through the soil and into the aquifer, eventually recharging it.
Researchers will track soil moisture, water movement and the health of trees and roots in the almond orchards. The three farms participating in the experiment will help determine whether or not groundwater recharge can take place without negatively impacting the health of the orchard or crop yields.
“Leveraging almond acreage for groundwater recharge has the potential to benefit the entire Central Valley,” said Ashley Boren, executive director of Sustainable Conservation. “Once a farmer utilizes his or her land to return water to the aquifer, it serves the greater community, not just that farmer. Maximizing the capture of excess flood flows during wet years replenishes groundwater supplies for use during dry years, while also reducing downstream flood risk.”
Once data is collected from the partnership, Land IQ, an agricultural technology firm, will build on the research conducted by the California Water Foundation to identify almond orchards that are suitable for groundwater recharge. UC Davis and Sustainable Conservation will receive the completed research as well.
