Hi, just doing a quick postmortem. the first check dam shows the classic undercutting of hydraulic fall velocity when water drops from height it digs a hole on the down slope side of the check. [-MM_...] that is where the rocks on top fell into that hole. The fix is simple. Go lower, let the water ease off the check dam slope down on the downstream and slope up on the upstream. […mMm…] big stones in the middle, small stones on the up and down slope. Even if you do this if the check is too high the water will cut around the sides into the banks. Weight and Velocity is not Our friend. Weight increases with height and velocity increases with the fall from that height. Two things slow down water, obstructions (rocks) and Ironically (water). Look at any engineered dam they always have a plunge pool. Some might think “I will just dig a hole” bad Idea, it pre undermines the dam and increases the fall from the top. Best solution, Remove the stones from the top of the check dam and build a smaller dam close to and below the original dam. [….M..m….] instant plunge pool. Rather than going higher Go lower but use more smaller lower check dames in closer intervals to each other [ m…m…m…] close enough that the water will back up to the dam before (Water slowing water) Going too high with the gabions did two things, it undercut the gabions as it cut out the bank. The bank soil filled the undercut hole. If you look closely, you will find that the water did not push the gabion over, it fell into its own hole. […..MM...] [….##...] As I now see it, the angle of the gabion is just about right (angled up angled down). Look at all the clear space above the gabion that filled up and came over the banks imagine that as steps up like a fish ladder [ …...mMm……..mMm…….mMm…….) Ripples in a slues box. By using the same amount of material as in the Gabion spread out up the river will hold an slaw the same amount of water. (Weight and Velocity is not Our friend) The only real rule of thumb is don't try to stop too much in one spot as a gallon of water is about 8.3 pounds and about 7.5 gallons to a cubic foot so a cubic yard of water comes in at 1,680 pounds think how heavy the rocks are, they are not that heavy. Lower not higher. Nothing really failed out there, it just pointed to doing something different.
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
This is amazing feedback!!! Thank you!
@michaelbell8618
Жыл бұрын
awesome answer man!!! while I was watching the video I kept thinking "he just needs more damns to slow the water and lighten the amount of water hitting the damns. LOL Then I read your answer and thought, sure thats what I was thinking. 😁😁
@Nphen
Жыл бұрын
Just want to chime in that this seems to be the best comment in regards to the placement and need for multiple check dams of different heights in rapid sequence in certain areas. Combine this with a few other tips and keep rolling. Excited to see the next 24 months!
@WalterHazen-l6i
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I have had the privilege to see Kawate rain catchment in action. (I was not doing the Water catchment just learning about it and helpings to create new bee hives for the desert "Another story") I got to see what failed and what fixes did work and those every one thought would work but did not. I was going to go into Diffusers, Bank wings and bank diffusers (by the way your Brush check is a diffuser.) to help to prevent, (No modify) bank cutting. All a diffuser does is spread the water reducing the Current of water (Weight and velocity) by spreading the volume. Please bear in mind that every place is unique with deferent soils slope rain So what works in one place may not in another. So there are no failures, just, "looks like that was not right for that spot" The best advice is think like water, "where do I want to go how fast do I do it and how much can I transport when I do?" Your job is to understand Water will get to where it is going no mater what you do. All you can do is amuse it along the way by distracting it. How a diffuser works and amused our friend water. You give it a place to run real fast and as may places to do that that you can. Give water one place to run it can cut through uplifting mountains. But give that water a lot of places to run it will cut less in each place. Using Rock; So how it works imagen a chess board, Water is running down the center two rows. Put a stone on each black square large enough to cover part of the white square so that as little as 1/4th volume is left on the white square. Now here is the trick that will amuse the water. Water will always travail with the same volume and at the same time going down hill. So the water speeds up in the multiple channels you have created so it has to spread out. Now here is the amusing bit All of that water leaves the diffuser at 1/4th its speed an volume because it used up its energy ruining really fast through new channels. The advantages of stone is this Low flow does no cutting at all but still spreads, High flow will cut around the stones but the stones will nest into the soil, of course catastrophic flow will remove everything. But this is an on going process two or three yeas of normal to high rain and flow will nest the stones almost level to to the bed. This is when you replace with new stones but this time on the white squares. The cannels in between are protected by the original stones no more or vary little nesting. hope that help to explain. @@dustupstexas
@WalterHazen-l6i
Жыл бұрын
Sorry that should be Kuwait
@pirep777
Жыл бұрын
Key phrase during the video, "keep going."
@autotek7930
Жыл бұрын
You should try setting up cameras to watch the water when it does rain. You'll learn a lot by just doing that
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
I had something better happen recently. It'll be 2-3 weeks before that episode is ready
@martinwinther6013
Жыл бұрын
Aye. and the footage could also be used for entertainment Id pay cashmoney to watch a 10 year timelapse
@MT-cy5tm
Жыл бұрын
Makes you wonder why environmentalist are all against dams.
@Alex-yi9xd
Жыл бұрын
This is the way. Build something. Watch how it performs. Iterate. Works in dirt, just like software. The cycles are just slower.
@Ifyouarehurtnointentwasapplied
Жыл бұрын
@@dustupstexas you are doing great with the progress and learning about your land keep following your gut ✌️👏👍
@charliespeegleokliving8595
Жыл бұрын
BTW every time you rebuild a rock structure, it will be better than the previous version. I've been dry stacking rocks for 20+ years.
@martinwinther6013
Жыл бұрын
yea. this one of the few areas where its actually smart to do the same thing again, even if it didnt work the last time, or the last time before that. Every flood will bring silt and dead plantmaterial, possibly more rocks to stack. And it all adds up over time Just make sure you also build one (or more) additional upstreams, to slow it down even further
@threeriversforge1997
Жыл бұрын
The key to building a secure check dam is always the pyramidal cross section. A good rule of thumb is that it needs to be twice as wide at the base as it is tall. The good news is that there's no need for a dozer to come in. All you need to do is go upstream a few feet and rake/hoe the gravel and dust down to the dam wall. This creates your "ramp" front, but also creates a depression that tumbles the storm surge, forcing it to surrender some of its erosive power. Just make sure to build a rock ramp on the downstream side of the dam so the overflow doesn't scour the ground and undermine your whole structure. You're basically mimicking what beavers have done for millennia. Of course, the dams work best when there's a bunch of them. That's why I always recommend starting at the top of the property and working your way down. Build them by the dozen and you'll surprised at how well they do by the time you get to the other end of the wash.
@davidkottman3440
Жыл бұрын
Big rocks on the downstream side as a foundation to resist the overflow, small rocks & gravel on the upstream side to catch the sediment in the water.
@FourthWayRanch
Жыл бұрын
ya, beavers aren't dumb enough to try and make dams in the destert
@threeriversforge1997
Жыл бұрын
@@FourthWayRanch The real question is how much of the current desert is only desert because beavers have been removed from the higher elevations and are no longer holding the rainwater and snowmelt back like they once did?
@katjordan3733
Жыл бұрын
@@threeriversforge1997 Good question. Beavers need trees to build dams, trees need water. It's a big step in the right direction, any way you look at it. I find the dirt bathtubs fascinating. They will fill with silt and water and it will be a win/win.
@threeriversforge1997
Жыл бұрын
@@katjordan3733 Sure, but beavers also build dens in the banks of big water where they don't need to dam, and then "mine" the trees on the banks to make way for tender new growth. Most of what we consider "pristine" wilderness today is actually on the decline because the beavers have been removed for better than 100 years. And that means the downstream impacts are being felt by both nature and man. We think this is the normal way because it's all we've ever known, but ask yourself what it would have looked like if the storm surge that pushed over that gabion was reduced by half because the beavers had built dams miles and miles away, slowing the run of the water. What Shaun is doing in this video is mimicking what beavers do. And if more people do it, you'll see a tremendous reduction in seasonal flooding because that's exactly what beaver dam analogs do.
@ColonelKlink100
Жыл бұрын
I think the rat's nest did better because it allowed some of the water to flow through, kind of like the idea of a willow tree bending in the wind while an oak tree may break
@ninemoonplanet
Жыл бұрын
Yes, the gaps allow some water to pass through, while slowed down. That plant material also absorbs some water, releases it into the ground underneath.
@middle-agedmacdonald2965
Жыл бұрын
The best filter is the dirtiest one that eventually clogs up completely.
@ColonelKlink100
Жыл бұрын
@@ninemoonplanet Good point. I didn't think about that. I guess it would be sort of like hugelkultur where the trees in the soil absorb water and help keep moisture levels steady. Also, the dead plant material will become a source of mycorrhizae and other goodies that feed the soil.
@adrianmitchell9819
Жыл бұрын
This is a low tech beaver dam. This is exactly how they work. They allow water to pass through while collecting sediment.
@AR-cd6od
5 ай бұрын
Yes, gabion is too impermeable, water needs to be slowed not stopped. As you found out the water won't be stopped!!
@b_uppy
Жыл бұрын
Build them shorter and more frequent, That's how you avoid failure and rebuilding and rebuilding. Brad Lancaster gives very good instructions so the water doesn't undercut, etc --as well. That silt looks great.
@kmcollins84
Жыл бұрын
I don’t normally comment on videos, but I just wanted to say thank you for always being willing to take the failures as lessons on how to do better, and for continuing to try to make a difference. It would be amazing to see your vision come through so that some of these species on the brink have some chance at life. 🖤
@user-qr3em2zp8h
Жыл бұрын
I like this. Every single rainfall is a new lesson.
@diceportz7107
Жыл бұрын
I'm wondering if why your "rats nest" worked so well is the same reason beaver dames work. They are leaky weirs. If the water has a way to keep moving forward, it won't washout the banks so badly. I'd build a few more of them higher up and closer together for maximum impact. You have learned a lot with this first rain, and you will learn more with the next one. Good Luck
@belesariius
Жыл бұрын
yea, i wonder if he will realise this - and mimic the beaver
@andrewlounsbury9733
Жыл бұрын
I tried that in utah last year with leftover juniper and pine branches, and we got nearly 2 feet of sediment in just under a year. It's mostly sand and water drips out the bottom for almost a week after a good rain
@threeriversforge1997
Жыл бұрын
That it leaked and allowed some water to flow through certainly helped. Plus, it looks to be up a bit on the bank and didn't get hit with the mass of water that the gabions experienced.
@vic2265
7 ай бұрын
They work because they let water thru the nest while catching any additional debris that is flowing in the water. This slows down the faster moving water allowing it to build up until it reached a point determined automatically by the amount of nest thats in place. These will work better in that environment as they both slow water down and back it up while continuously adding more floating material. Over time in the streams around here where I live sediment will pool in the areas around those because the water has slowed. Great project!
@danielwhipple1615
Жыл бұрын
At least the water is showing you were it wants to go!
@davidkottman3440
Жыл бұрын
Downhill!😅
@brianalvarez4477
Жыл бұрын
A great way to add organic matter to the desert floor is planting the right kind of trees/ bushes. Palo Verde, Desert willow, Texas honey mesquite, golden lead ball tree, acacias, mountain Laurel, Apache plume etc. And by planting these kind of trees/bushes you will also start attracting more pollinators which attract birds which will help with seed dispersal and you might even start getting game animals moving in looking to use the shade and cool ground from the trees. Great work out there! You're embarking on a great life long project!
@tgsoon2002
Жыл бұрын
Great comment. This is great idea. I wonder if there is a website or source to reference and check which is good pioneer plant to be planted.
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171
Жыл бұрын
@@tgsoon2002 Texas A&M University Extension Service is the go to source for all the information you could ever want. The only party who knows more about west Texas than your land grant university is God.
@ladykatza
Жыл бұрын
I have found stacking brush in run off areas acts like a sieve, it lets the water run through, a little bit slower.. but it also catches larger things which in turn makes it bigger. Eventually it breaks down to organic matter and stuff grows on it. Cheap and easy and usually presents itself as an opportunity on it's own, bits collecting naturally.
@conradk
Жыл бұрын
Yes seems like combining the two would be optimal - slow the water down before the gabian.
@user-wy4mp9ts3u
Жыл бұрын
That idea of growing anything to eventually grow what you want is a good one
@reedjacksonmaccom
Жыл бұрын
Bro. I’ve watched a youtube car video for four years on one car. Your dream is such a great one. I’m in this for the long haul. Let’s GO!!! I love this plan.
@brandandillon1517
Жыл бұрын
Piles of brush = rudimentary beaver dam and beavers are the original land regeneraters. Not a terrible idea to keep using what dead brush you have around to use in conjunction with the rocks.
@derghiarrinde
Жыл бұрын
Beavers regenerate into wetlands, not into normal land. But I do agree with using the beaver method in the desert as well, as long as the objective is in mind.
@downbntout
9 ай бұрын
As in, BDA's
@jjsterling3
Жыл бұрын
Nice work! Thanks for the gabion tour :) Indigenous people in southern AZ placed firmly rooted long posts, with a bit of a gap between their placements (maybe a foot or so?), across the washes to divert and slow the water for farming. The debris naturally built up when the storm water carried it and created weirs, similar to beaver dams. Very minimal work for high return! Modern adaptation could be t-posts or something similar.
@langdons2848
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like an excellent solution for high speed/volume locations. I've not head of that before, so thanks for sharing.
@lazygardens
Жыл бұрын
You can do this with cottonwood and willow saplings. Sharpen the ends and pound them into the sand at the bottom of the wash, making sure to have the top and bottom oriented, and a few of the dozens will root and grow.
@MotherofUnicornsProductions
Жыл бұрын
If there was a possibility to slow down the water further up when the streams are smaller it wouldn't hit your barriers with such a force. It know it would be ton of work but I think lots of smaller barriers where the water first gathers might help in slowing it down. I think the guys who built all the wee dams in Nevada ended up building over 20,000 in a 20+ years time period.
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171
Жыл бұрын
You are absolutely right. Starting at the top of the waterway is the way to do it. Start small and inexperienced and as you work down the waterway you get better at building tight, self supporting structure. And it will take thousands of rock dams to green this land.
@threeriversforge1997
Жыл бұрын
I think that was the Turkey Creek "experiment" in Southeast AZ. 20,000 small rock dams over 20 years... and what a world of difference it made.
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171
Жыл бұрын
"The installation of thousands of rock detention structures in the Turkey Pen Watershed, of the Chiricahua Mountains in SE Arizona, provided a 30-year case study to consider low-tech and low-cost Natural Infrastructure in dryland watersheds. The USGS systematic study, through observation and experiment, offers verifiable data that documents their efficacy as a Nature-based Solution, that can provide climate adaptation and mitigation benefits here in the Chiricahua Mountains and beyond." A husband and wife managed for 40 years from 1982-2022
@MotherofUnicornsProductions
Жыл бұрын
@@threeriversforge1997 Aye, I was thinking of Dixie Creek in Nevada, but I just checked and they changed their cattle grazing patterns and beavers did the job of building barriers to slow the water down. I got the two confused. But it shows that there is more than one way to restore dry land.
@martinwinther6013
Жыл бұрын
@@threeriversforge1997 aye. this is kinda what I would aim at
@Janer-52
Жыл бұрын
Fascinating. I am really enjoying watching what you are doing. Little by little, step by step, you WILL achieve your goal.
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
Persistence is essential!
@Scotty-kc1co
Жыл бұрын
great to see the learning curve, greetz from the netherlands, europe !
@justiceO8149
Жыл бұрын
Great job . Andrew Millsons recording of th e water works in India are facinating - different country, but dealing with monsoon. Beavers know sticks work!
@leonschuette3740
Жыл бұрын
It appears that perhaps multible small check dams in each drainage could prevent the washout of the large one at the end thus more water would be saved
@andresamplonius315
7 ай бұрын
Yep. One needs to work from the top down, both with swales as with check dams.
@eckmann88
Жыл бұрын
Have you considered Tepary Beans? Native groups in the southwestern deserts would spread their seeds in arroyos, and one monsoon rain would be all they needed to grow for a season. They flower, too!
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171
Жыл бұрын
Tepary bean : an annual twining bean (Phaseolus acutifolius var. latifolius) that is native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico and is cultivated for its roundish white, yellow, brown, or bluish-black edible seeds. THis is an excellent suggestion! Edible (attracts wildlife that will spread seed), twining best erosion control, Will be self seeding tear to year, native to the region, Pioneer species.
@toddablett4493
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the update. Surprized that a bunch of sticks and organic material hold back water really well...all the beavers in the world are going...well duh...:D To this day it always surprizes me how much power water flow has. Rather than bulldozers...a few rebars driven down in the cage and rocks area?...well only if you can't get the dozer in there.
@jorgeadelprado
Жыл бұрын
Regarding the damns, you need to build one each time the elevation decreases 1m (3 feet) or so. You don't need big damns, one feet height is more than enough if you build several so you can slow the flow of water enough while allowing the stream to flow down through out the whole system. You want as much moisture to feed the soil but also to feed as much land as possible as the soil there is not going to be able to absorb much water itlf it's very dry.
@gillsmoke
Жыл бұрын
I was watching a bunch of gully restoration vids, the one that struck me was the 1 rock dams, it doesn't try to stop the water just slow it down, and the same guy showed zuni pits a rock lined depression to divert and hold a little bit of water while letting the rest pass.
@lorettarussell3235
Жыл бұрын
@@gillsmokeThat series was amazing at the changes it made to slowing down the speed of water & improving the land. Stopping the formation of gullies
@jackman6256
Жыл бұрын
This reminds me of something i did yrs ago I live on rd that had a huge ditch in My yard cause by county rd department It was wash out I ask them to fix it the of course said no So I got down in the 8 ft ditch started adding small dams each Was bigger than the last Everyone said jack it wouldn't Work But each rain brought in more soil An living plants Within a yr the ditch was gone All I done was piled rocks But the best part it made my yard Alive I got grass a couple of small Trees which I didn't plant any of it So it caught on an people around Me started doing same thing in the county made ditch where it had ruined our yards Now ditch are all piped an cover over This was all do to a pile of rocks
@williamestep5473
Жыл бұрын
Construct more rat nests near beginning of streams spacing close together , when stream bed is wide build some rock islands staggered near center of stream beds add more to the dry rock dams.
@mabamabam
Жыл бұрын
Rather than a heavy and expensive gabion maybe a roll of chain link. Or even just cheap old 5 strand. Basically just a fence to catch more sticks and debris. Yeah you might lose some downstream but any big strand of wire is just going to get caught on the next bush.
@JensOdense
Жыл бұрын
Hi Shaun when I hear you talk about the challenge that fast moving water presents, I think one solution is something you have already started doing. To my mind “localizing” the water by using structures such as your earth bathtubs and letting the water seep in, will slow down the accumulation of water on the surface in flash floods. It is however a labor intensive solution if applied to large parts of your land. So for larger areas, I think digging swales hill by hill to make sure a lone swale does not wash away during rain is the most effective method.
@SuerteDelMolinoFarm
Жыл бұрын
Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia Spain where we currently experience some rain after the drought. Many water retention structures got washed away but we have learned and we move on, as you said. Good luck.
@louisekrupski5361
Жыл бұрын
I love your attitude - hey some things didn’t work but we’re learning. I watch a lot of people who live sustainably in severe climates and what separates those who make it from those who don’t are the ones who take a calm attitude to adversity and treat it as a learning curve. Keep going, I think what you are doing is brilliant.
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@lachlanrodgers2947
Жыл бұрын
Mate, in Australia we use fallen trees and brush to make swales… obviously trees are in short supply for you but your brush swales allows water to seep through whilst keeping organic and slowing the water… love your work n dedication!
@lauchlanguddy1004
8 ай бұрын
hey ...mate. Yes alot of similar work in oz and similar huge storm surges in out creeks and gullies
@2roddmann2
10 ай бұрын
Have you considered digging pits(ponds) along your main water runoff routes? This would do two things, 1. Slow the water run off. 2. Store groundwater around each pit. Also strengthen what you've done so far. Keep vlogging, love to see this project continue.
@CliffLambson
Жыл бұрын
I'd recommend some minor check dams above the gabion to slow the water's momentum. Perhaps (if the channel's topography allows) you can cut into the banks before the check dams to spread the water out into other areas/catchments. Beavers do something similar behind their dams to create escape routes from predators while foraging on land. The channels they build eventually become almost like aqueducts and the plant life around them becomes prolific. Slow it, spread it, sink it.
@camdenbruner7209
Жыл бұрын
The channel were you built the gabion appears to have had over a foot in depth of surface flow - for that gabion to have held it needed to be have been 2-3 times as thick and built into the channel banks. Even with increased size and ramps, it won't hold by itself. You need dozens up and down that wash to really slow a flash flood. Your 'rat nest' is a beaver dam analogue (BDA). BDAs held in place with stakes or posts are likely one of your best options out there in the mid-sized washes. I think you are on the right track though. Starting at the highest points of your properties watershed with check dams every 50ft. Get into the BDAs and gabions as you move into the medium sized washes. Nothing you have built so far is big enough for the larger washes on your property but it seems you know that already and are planning to scale up with heavy equipment.
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. The gabion was an experiment. I think for about the same cost, the BDAs would be far more effective. But for now, I'm going to park it and go back to the watershed with the bathtubs
@atoth62
Жыл бұрын
I was curious as to how those bathubs that were dug out worked, or if they had any effect.
@meredithwhidden8712
6 ай бұрын
Just wanted to let you know I admire what you're doing . Thank you for the video and keep trying
@FrerkMeyer
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy to see that it rained at least, and how heavy it was. The idea of stopping it to form puddles kind of worked. Let's see what life and nature makes of it. I'm curious.
@andrub23
Жыл бұрын
Islands of fertility. Nice. Maybe consider bringing out a few bags of compost and soil to drop each time you make a trip in a bath tub or at a dam location.
@eslnoob191
Жыл бұрын
I'm not surprised at all by what happened to the gabion. I used to live next to a wash, and it would turn into a raging river after every decent rainstorm. I would always be amazed by the things that I'd find down there and how they'd be utterly destroyed by the rushing water. I even found entire cars that had been twisted and buried in the silt and sand. The town also poured concrete into some sections, and that would get torn away bit by bit year after year. So, essentially your gabion is like a kiddie-dam in the middle of a very powerful "dry river." Like some other commenters have mentioned, it would make more sense to just focus on the side channels and leave the actual "riverbed" alone.
@domnyman2187
Жыл бұрын
Hi Shaun. If the gabion was designed with a low section, like a spillway, that was armoured with rock , maybe the water won’t find a way around and do damage. I love the series and your attitude.
@Technoanima
Жыл бұрын
I see now the wisdom of building gentle angled swales and spillways. I hope you'll look into converting some of the gambions into swales.
@Technoanima
Жыл бұрын
I agree the build up of water will result in more green life. Sand can hold a good amount of water if you can slow it down sufficiently to seep into the sand.
@topkek_
Жыл бұрын
amazing volume of water to push that Gabion out of the way. amazing potential for harvesting that rain!
@xcscasas5765
Жыл бұрын
You are doing great job despite some failures. It is part of learning process and I belive that you will solve these issues.
@thedeergarden3964
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know if it’s been covered already but at my place I’m experimenting with digging small silt ponds and swales that go in succession for the seasonal run off in addition to small dams along the water way. This slows the water down and the silt pond catches a lot of the silt before it gets into the bigger pond. I built a new multi pond last year and the first two had some blow outs but my plan is to shovel the silt onto the banks along with adding wood for a beaver dam style and keep building it up. Probably once you can recharge the groundwater and get those trees going your system will really take off. I plant a variety of trees including non natives so that i can see what grows best and where. Many die but I consider it part of the process.
@steveallen8987
Жыл бұрын
Rock barriers seem to be having some effect. If the aim is to get water to sink into the ground, have you considered using an auger for drilling vertical holes? You could create hundreds of small fence post sized holes a couple of feet deep. Or something a bit bigger like a foot diameter and three feet deep. The mavh8nery is reasonably easy to move around so creating many holes wouldn’t take a huge effort. The idea is to create a colander effect allowing the water to easily penetrate the surface and soak into the ground. Steve
@evantspurrell
Жыл бұрын
you might need to fully enclose your gabions and put more of a dip in the middle so when it over flows it goes over the middle of the gabbion. beneathe the dip build and apron to catch and slow the water. you could also key the gabbion it into the bank more and the ground by digging into the bank and the earth a few inches. also curve the gabion down stream so the gabbion funnels the water to the center of the drainage. you could also look at trincheras and intergrating some diversion swales to spread that water so when it starts to over flow it can be diverted laterally.
@thatamerican3187
Жыл бұрын
More little dams to slow the water down. There are a bunch of videos on here about what was done in southeast Arizona. and basically, they set up small dams every 100 feet. 2 -3 rocks high. 20K of them.
@Jinguapingi
Жыл бұрын
I've done the same in the south of Spain. Don't be afraid to build plenty of rock dams. The more you build along the slope, the less water each of it will see and they'll resist way better. Good luck, but your first results look promising.
@davidstakston1950
Жыл бұрын
Flood waters are a powerful force. Build your first rock dam at the highest point in a draw and work your way down. Your failure on not starting at the source of the rainwater runoff happens all the time. In the Driftless Area in Wisconsin the DNR and the DOT have had to repair a lot of valley roads, valley stream bridges and valley farmers fields because they didn't start by building terraces and dams on the ridge before the gullies going down into the valley. Build many small dams especially in the dry creek bed so if the dams are compromised by flood waters you don't end up with a major flood down in the valley. Have you ever checked if there is an underground stream in the dry creek bed? When I was vacationing in New Mexico they had had a 10-inch rainfall in a dry creek bed watershed. They had put down cement across a dry creek bed for the road. Downstream from the cement roadway across the dry creek bed the flood waters eroded down about 15 feet. An underground stream about 6 feet across and a foot deep emerged and flowed down the previous dry creek bed downstream from the cement roadway.
@shawnleary
Жыл бұрын
i would pay money to see water flowing content.
@drjonritz
Жыл бұрын
That Ocotillo is beautiful, and medicine!
@Miamcoline
Жыл бұрын
Cool initiative for both the area, as well as walking viewers through the process!
@anibch1
Жыл бұрын
In the upcoming Fall season if you can source fallen leaves from the northern parts of the country that will give you enough mulch and also the soil in your farm will be enriched. Alongside cow dung and urine can also be used.
@FondelMikeRotch
Жыл бұрын
You will have to cobble the outside edges of those river bottom dams, quite a way out to avoid washing out.
@insAneTunA
Жыл бұрын
That must have been a lot of water. Where that collapsed gabion is located seems like a good spot to create an overflow and to dig a pond nearby or even in the water channel itself. And multiple gabions or the leaky weirs from Peter Andrews will slow down the water even more.
@dwightjarrett8204
Жыл бұрын
I read an earlier comment about slowing the water down at a higher elevation. That is my idea. Also, probably just using the rock dams like you built down low, but also putting in the terraces across the tops of the ridges or just off the tops. You’ll get a lot more done for your dozer money, digging those terraces to hold the water.
@tgsoon2002
Жыл бұрын
Definetly I think so too. But if he want to use cheap method as it easy to apply. Spread the rock more instead of concentrate them. That might be cheaper too. We can also use math to calculate and estimate for each hole to hold back maybe 30%, 40%, 50% of water it can be to see which is better solution. Calculate by the area we think water gonna go to X inches of rain = How deep and wide the hole gonna be.
@dwightjarrett8204
Жыл бұрын
Winter grass could also be sown around in the fall to help slow and catch water. It’s all an experiment isn’t it?
@davidkottman3440
Жыл бұрын
If there are stones on the surface of the land, placing them into low rock walls across the hills' contour will make water slowing terraces without the expense & inevitable soil destruction of bulldozers.
@dwightjarrett8204
Жыл бұрын
@@davidkottman3440 right. He had just mentioned using a dozer in the video, and I thought a better use of the dozer would be for that. I know they cost a lot and it would be very difficult to get in there where he is it looks like.
@knoll9812
Жыл бұрын
@@davidkottman3440sliw work doinf terraces with digger. If u gad a digger i would yse to nake hundreds of low geight dams Would concentrate on tributaries
@wildstarsful
7 ай бұрын
Don't know if you have stumbled onto Permies website before, but they have a bunch of forums where you can ask questions and there is a lot of information gathered there. One thing that came to mind when you talked about trees was the idea of creating clay balls that contain a bit of soil and seeds of hardy trees that you can throw/drop around the property. Something like almond and cherry can do well in dry(ish) locations, and they have an incredible tap root that forms when planted from seed rather than saplings. If you eat a lot of fruits, just save the seeds and throw them in slightly wetter areas when you pass by. Letting seeds do their thing could greatly benefit creating a forest, specifically a food forest in the case of casting fruit seeds around.
@never2late454
Жыл бұрын
Watching this brings back some very bad memories of the dams we built being destroyed. Nothing more heartbreaking to see all the hard work washed away.
@WalterHazen-l6i
Жыл бұрын
I would say that not one bit of his work was washed away. All his hard work built knowledge and that is permanent. It is not a bad memories but good data. Good knowledge is never heartbreaking, it is always uplifting.
@louisegogel7973
Жыл бұрын
It’s a journey of learning, no mistakes, simply adjustments from valuable experiences and observations!
@sundalongpatpat
Жыл бұрын
the color treatment in this video is so nice
@shaunybonny688
Жыл бұрын
Im looking forward to the progress over the years.
@middle-agedmacdonald2965
Жыл бұрын
I said it before, desert beavers. Even your beaver style dam outperformed your man made steel and rock trap (surprisingly). Yes, jujube if you can find a spot for some. My least favorite tree to prune, but it grows like a weed in the desert southwest, and the apple like fruit isn't bad, better when dried. What about date palms? Is your climate capable of sustaining some? Very cool to see the damage (not good cool, just interesting cool), and what your plans are to go forward. We really need a set of 20 - 30 cameras out there to see what's going on when that rain comes. I'm sure you can budget that in there somewhere. :) Thanks again, looking forward to whatever the next update is.
@DrGonzosCondiments
8 ай бұрын
You sir, are a beaver. Good on you and thanks for having us all along for the adventure.
@michaellim7333
9 ай бұрын
It is good that you tag with numbers easy to refer.
@riknitzburg9650
Жыл бұрын
In you gabions/ check damns, you could build channels at the top to let water through, and make the stones surrounding that channel extra large
@middle-agedmacdonald2965
Жыл бұрын
Wild coyote gourd grows wild along the sand and clay washes where I live in the desert s.w. It's a nitrogen fixer, has edible roots, and looks like a small watermelon in terms of leaf/vine growth, and even a small softball squash that is inedible.
@middle-agedmacdonald2965
Жыл бұрын
I asked a.i. about it. Yes, wild coyote gourd is a good plant to rehabilitate soil. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This helps to improve the fertility of the soil. Wild coyote gourd is also a deep-rooted plant, which helps to break up compacted soil and improve drainage. Additionally, the leaves of wild coyote gourd can help to suppress weeds. Here are some of the benefits of using wild coyote gourd to rehabilitate soil: Nitrogen fixation: Wild coyote gourd is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This helps to improve the fertility of the soil. Deep roots: Wild coyote gourd is a deep-rooted plant, which helps to break up compacted soil and improve drainage. This can make the soil more hospitable to other plants. Weed suppression: The leaves of wild coyote gourd can help to suppress weeds. This can help to reduce the need for herbicides. Water retention: The leaves of wild coyote gourd can help to retain water in the soil. This can be beneficial in areas with dry climates. Pest control: Wild coyote gourd can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests. If you are looking for a plant to help rehabilitate your soil, wild coyote gourd is a good option. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of conditions and it has many benefits for the soil. Here are some tips for using wild coyote gourd to rehabilitate soil: Plant wild coyote gourd in full sun. Water the plant regularly, especially during the first year. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest the seeds from the plant and replant them in the fall or spring. With proper care, wild coyote gourd can help to improve the fertility, drainage, and overall health of your soil.
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171
Жыл бұрын
Great suggestion for another native species that will work as a pioneer!😊
@Michaeloftheland
Жыл бұрын
Pretty good video 🤝 One project that did a pretty good job regenerating a similar but not exactly the same style desert is called Qual Springs. They have some pretty impressive progress in only the last decade or so populating the once dry arroyo systems with trees and soil and grass and gardens. They do have a spring which is a pretty crucial difference- but there’s still a lot of crossover when it comes to basic tenants of desert restoration/regeneration/junglification
@angelofamillionyears4599
Жыл бұрын
We like this posters idea! There are plenty of desert hardy trees. Since you are in Texas, you can get Mesquite, which is a super plant and the most falsely maligned tree in the world. Others are Russian Olive, Locust, and Acacia/cats claw. Water with a water truck and non potable water to establish !!
@Sam465
Жыл бұрын
I like what you are doing to restore the green
@ethanmye-rs
Жыл бұрын
I haven’t seen all the videos, so you may have already considered this. Have you looked at other deserts for trees and plant life that fit your climate and needs? For example, the Thar desert has a similar rainfall pattern to you, and they have a variety of trees, so quite useful. Eg. Ziziphus mauritiana, which produces edible fruit, can survive with your amount of rainfall and fixes nitrogen. Or Prosopis cineraria, etc. There are many deserts around the world with useful keystone species you can select from for reforestation.
@veramae4098
Жыл бұрын
Be very very careful of foreign plants -- they can take over. Gardeners in Michigan introduced meadow rue from England. Seeds spread to our lowlands, and started pushing out cattails and other native plants. And meadow rue is not valuable for nitrogen fixing or grazing by cows or deer. Finally found their natural enemy, a beetle in England, which was held by customs for about 4 generations, while it was studied to make sure IT wasn't carrying any nasty parasites. Released in Michigan by guilty gardeners and some Scout projects it now controls the meadow rue nicely. Just a pretty purple flower in a very small group in most ditches, etc. now. I also wrote above replying to another comment, about autumn olive introduced and planted for erosion control in U.S. starting in the 1920's, something for which no natural control has been found. Must be wearily poisoned or back breaking labor to dig out -- they tend to have roots spreading horizontally 10 to 20 feet and if left, new autumn olive will grow from those roots. Nothing grazes on them either, except birds like their berries during the brief berry season (and birds then drop the seeds many other places!) Great cover for birds and small animals, but nothing larger can get thru. Deer have to go around, and don't browse on them.
@ninemoonplanet
Жыл бұрын
@veramae4098 I agree that it pays to understand what plants become so invasive that they're almost impossible to get rid of, blackberries are one that's become so invasive it will take decades to get out. There are bushes, trees that can be used, mostly because they don't spread fast, rarely become invasive and are fairly easily removed.
@TheodoreJohnTriantafillis
Жыл бұрын
I just saw this today. Seems interesting This is from Greece Ancestral wisdom.... When olive trees were planted in arid areas, our ancestors buried rackets of prickly pears half a meter deep to make the soil more fertile. The sap from the leaves draws out moisture and allows the tree to absorb water for up to three years. This technique is valid for all trees.
@tricky1992000
Жыл бұрын
I think prickly pear is a great choice for chop and drop too.
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
I'm harvesting prickly pear next week and will transplant it in October
@TheodoreJohnTriantafillis
Жыл бұрын
@@dustupstexas It will not let me add a picture so I thought I would explain, they cut the stalk and bury them in the whole before they plant a tree, similar to Hugelkultur but with prickly pears.
@rebeccabesherse5162
Жыл бұрын
You may want to put daikon radish seeds in some of the bathtubs when the rains are about to start. They grow quickly, break up soil well, reseed themselves freely, and leave a lot of organic matter in the soil when they decompose
@sgtpepperz25
Жыл бұрын
The check dams look good man, without over engineering them they will just need a little maintenance every so often. Wish I was close to Texas, I would come lend a hand. Good luck with this project, I love green deserts.
@jameseacobacci2923
8 ай бұрын
Hey, great thing you are into... My comments only intended as help; When operating a tracked (skid steer) machine, try to avoid tight turns. Better to make longer sweeping turns than spin in place, (one side forward and one side in reverse) you will disturb less and much easier on machine. Tight turns can lead to running off the track. It also makes the operating surface smoother, and you will have more control of grading. I admire your willingness to acknowledge your lack of experience and I also admire your willingness/curiosity to learn.
@cbxxb4841
Жыл бұрын
Did any of your dams hold? Spend a little time trying to determine what it will take!! Placement is also vital.
@alanvaleandthelazyfarmer1930
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if you introduced lupin seeds behind the check dams if they would survive. They are excellent nitrogen fixers and a fodder crop for animals. You might need permission to introduce them. My Uncle was a sharecropper in sandplain country in Western Australia and after he introduced them, the land owner got the credit and a knighthood. If the dam washes down, you need another higher up.
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely. They're part of the plan
@martinwinther6013
Жыл бұрын
Yea. Im thinking this looks like itl work. just need more of the same. Few higher up, to take the initial preassure, but also "repair and expand the existing. they obviously did something good, like stopping silt and other plantmaterial
@veramae4098
Жыл бұрын
Think twice about lupin ... then hesitate. They were introduced to Iceland and are now taking over, not just growing but PUSHING OUT native plants. "Why Iceland is turning purple" YT vid. It's like "autumn olive" a large shrub / small tree introduced into U.S. for erosion control from Russian steppes. Does a good job in poor soil. Does an even better job in good soil and it's spreading like crazy here in Michigan. "Invasive". American Apollo astronauts used to train in Icelandic deserts, the closest place to a lunar landscape on earth. Nice photo of Neil Armstrong 2 years before the lunar landing, fishing in a local river for salmon.
@alanvaleandthelazyfarmer1930
Жыл бұрын
It looks like a looser structure works best lower down the hill. @@martinwinther6013
@matte3839
Жыл бұрын
Interesting content. I also noticed and appreciated the documentary-style video and audio production quality in this video
@GentlemanAndaScholar
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know anything about forests or planting but I find you channel very interesting. Thank you for the great content! Looking forward to seeing what comes of this project in the years to come!
@colinwhite6904
Жыл бұрын
'U' shaped gabions will help massively with the erosion at your existing gabion... Bottom of the 'U' faces upstream. Slightly higher wall near the bank. The shape increases the length of the wall's overflow capacity, it also channels water toward the middle of natural watercourse (as opposed to outwards), and finally it's a stronger structure against the force of upstream flow. Loving this work you're doing! 💪
@davidkottman3440
Жыл бұрын
Yes, larger dams need an overflow area designed in, or they will wash out.
@vivalaleta
Жыл бұрын
Great first try. Can't wait to see what you do next.
@FirstDagger
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like it would be better if you build more of the cheap rats nests over a larger area, think like a beaver. Lots of small dams to slow down the water over a large area, instead of a large dam that has its own issues. Area maximizes seepage.
@knoll9812
Жыл бұрын
Hybrid dam of bushes and stones
@tdu2supersport
Жыл бұрын
always looking forwards to the update videos!
@xxeebbk
Жыл бұрын
It would be amazing to see your vision come through
@MarvinBowen
Жыл бұрын
As always, very interesting. I love this project and am always excited when you upload a video. You are making a difference on your ranch but more importantly you are educating us on how to manage the land in a sustainable way.
@daviddemaet2996
Жыл бұрын
Cool Shaun. Fun to follow your endeavors.
@bugnator
Жыл бұрын
LOL the Pecos River in the intro about a ranch in the Chianti area, if you know you know. I do like the video series though.
@antonhuman8446
Жыл бұрын
suggestion. Some sort of screen cloth, such as hessian cloth, laid on the up-side of the water breaks soot up very quickly and make/form a pretty solid barrier in no time. Any sort of native grass seed in it soon after rain will solidify the pact.
@xcaliber_gaming
Жыл бұрын
How about the Shape of the Gabian ? I'm thinking an Arrow shape pointing down stream would help sediment collect and allow the water to roll over it. Perhaps Raising the Bed of the stream over a 25' - 50' span would help also. This would create a small waterfall to collect sediment. Love the project. Thanks for the Details. Good Luck!
@almeidacheang7853
Жыл бұрын
nice dam,need more build more strong now,good luck,from Brazil
@warrenwhite1125
Жыл бұрын
You might try a small under-drain or a spillway or "notch" in the top of the check dam. Also consider a shallow excavation or small depression behind the structure. That way, even if the check dam gets blown out, you may get some water retention in the depression.
@b_uppy
Жыл бұрын
Monocropping rather than overcropping is the problem. Using pioneer trees like prosopis handles several needs incliding anchoring roots as well as food, feed, shelter, quick growth, resilience and nitrogen fixing. It is the suite of things that mesquite does that helps. Elaine Ingham is the soil scientist you are thinking of.
@bigacefilms
Жыл бұрын
This is super awesome! I’d love to come out and build some check dams!
@Argrouk
Жыл бұрын
So one thing really hit near the end. You were talking about the impact of a wall of water. If you still have a wall of water, you don't have enough weirs (what you call check dams I suppose). You need to slow and retain water before it gets to that point, along all the feeder channels. The more you can slow it at the earliest part of its journey, the longer it takes to build up that critical mass. Someone mentioned plunge pools, the same applies to any sort of reservoir, you don't need a drop to place your trap. Dig down more than you build up and the water will tell you how to proceed. Catch early, catch often. Go big or go home is not your friend. Watch how beaver do it, just with logs. Most imjportantly, keep at it and good luck.
@lulucly
Жыл бұрын
What works and what doesn't? You're moving right along - nice!!
@teamground0229
Жыл бұрын
Like usual, enjoy the content! 90k people rootin' for you Shaun!
@dustupstexas
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. It's a big milestone
@00negative
Жыл бұрын
Have you also thought about building Beaver Dam Analogs? I seen them used with much success in other areas, albeit not the desert.
@EC_USC
Жыл бұрын
That was pretty awesome thank you for sharing.
@arlinviljoen6637
Жыл бұрын
Just keep on keeping on. You are getting there.
@arlinviljoen6637
Жыл бұрын
Portulacaria Afra is a shrub found in south Africa in extremely warm arid areas. Elephants, tortoises and domistic animals love them. They are drought tolerant and easy to grow with water storing capabilities.
@AbidAli-bv2gl
Жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Lot to learn desert permaculture
@james.j1066
Жыл бұрын
I see you doing something to enrich this world. ❤❤❤
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