26m gallons of water collected
So far we have collected and allow 1.2m gallons of water to infiltrate into our prairie in 2023. Seems like a lot huh? The math is pretty simple.
45 acres = 1,960,200 Square Feet
1,960,200 x .623 (gallons of water per inch of rain per square foot) = 1,221,204 gallons per inch of rain
21.25 inches of rain x 1,221,204 = 25,950,597 gallons of water.
That’s 53 Olympic swimming pools.
Water infiltration into prairies from rainfall is a critical process that plays a fundamental role in sustaining the health and functionality of these ecosystems. Here are several important reasons why water infiltration is crucial for prairies:
Soil Moisture and Plant Growth: Water infiltration ensures that the soil in prairies receives an adequate supply of moisture. This moisture is essential for the germination of seeds, the growth of plants, and the overall health of the vegetation in the prairie ecosystem. Adequate soil moisture supports the diverse plant species that characterize prairies.
Groundwater Recharge: Infiltrated water moves downward through the soil and may contribute to the recharge of groundwater aquifers. This is especially important in maintaining a sustainable water supply for both natural ecosystems and human communities that may rely on groundwater resources.
Erosion Control: Adequate water infiltration helps to control soil erosion in prairies. When rainwater infiltrates the soil, it reduces surface runoff, which, in turn, minimizes the risk of soil erosion. This is particularly important in preventing the loss of fertile topsoil and maintaining the integrity of the prairie landscape.
Nutrient Cycling: Water infiltration is closely linked to nutrient cycling in prairies. It helps transport essential nutrients through the soil profile, making them available to plant roots. This process supports the nutrient requirements of the diverse plant species in prairies and contributes to the overall nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.
Biodiversity Support: Prairie ecosystems are characterized by a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Adequate water infiltration ensures the availability of suitable habitats for various organisms by maintaining soil moisture levels. This, in turn, supports the biodiversity of prairies.
Resilience to Drought: Infiltrated water stored in the soil provides a buffer against drought conditions. Prairie vegetation has adapted to periodic dry spells, and sufficient soil moisture enhances the resilience of prairies to drought by supporting plant survival during periods of water scarcity.
Temperature Regulation: Water infiltration can have a moderating effect on soil temperatures. Moist soils tend to have more stable temperatures than dry soils, contributing to a more favorable environment for plant growth and microbial activity in prairies.
Wildlife Habitat: Adequate soil moisture resulting from water infiltration supports a variety of invertebrates, amphibians, and other wildlife that depend on the prairie ecosystem. These organisms, in turn, contribute to the overall ecological balance of the prairie.
In summary, water infiltration is essential for maintaining the ecological balance, biodiversity, and overall health of prairie ecosystems. It supports plant growth, prevents erosion, contributes to nutrient cycling, and provides critical habitats for a diverse array of species.
