Rangeland Ponding Dikes: Design Criteria

Abstract

Water ponding is used for controlling onsite and runon water while increasing infiltration and soil water storage. The dikes are constructed in a crescent or horseshoe shape, with the first dike constructed at the highest elevation on the site and additional dikes at progressively lower elevations. Some factors affecting dike construction, layout and spacing are water ponding depth, percent slope, soil type, and site topography. Such dikes have improved soil water regime on arid rangelands by increasing the infiltration opportunity and have decreased the soil erosion potential by controlling overland flow.