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Grazing land can be a source of water pollutants. Fortunately, management of grazing land for sustained yield of forage and livestock also achieves optimum water pollution control. With certain management practices, grass can be optimized and water quality can be improved. In the next several issues of Feed*Lot, Kansas State University Extension personnel will discuss different management practices that can increase grass utilization and improve water quality. In this issue, they discuss developing new watering locations for livestock. Livestock Water Development Water is a nutrient for livestock and a management tool for the producer. The lack of water, poor quality water or poorly placed watering facilities are some of the most commonly encountered problems. Water can be the most important, but often the most overlooked, nutrient or management practice. It is a major consideration in most intensive grazing management systems. If a new water location is to be developed, the producer should consider three criteria: 1) protection of existing and future water quality source; 2) amount of water available; and 3) location of watering facilities within the pasture. If a new water source is developed in a pasture with an existing source, the grazing distribution pattern may be altered. The quality of the new source may be much higher. If the new water supply can be controlled, livestock can be moved from one watering source to another. Water developments include ponds, springs, dugouts, windmills, water wells, and pipelines. Solar-powered pumps are also available. If a new pond is to be constructed, lay a water line under the dam and develop a trough below the dam. Consider setting the troughs on some kind of  gravel or concrete pad to reduce erosion potential. Fencing the entire pond will improve the quality of the water, protect the investment in the pond, and increase the lifespan of the storage capacity. Fencing will also prevent livestock from walking on ice during the winter and from bogging down in silt during periods of low water.For large pastures, locate water source so livestock do not have to travel more than 1/2 to 3/4 mile in rough terrain and no more than 1 to 1 1/2 miles on level terrain. The distance between water sources must be taken into account to ensure that animals can readily travel to all parts of the pasture. Small ponds, pit ponds and spring developments should be utilized whenever possible instead of large ponds, windmills or water wells, due to cost and feasibility considerations. A new option for shallow wells and wet areas where spring developments are not possible is the solar-powered pump. Keep in mind the protection of the well from outside pollutants. In areas where water is difficult to obtain, storage facilities and pipelines can be used to transport water over long distances very efficiently. Information courtesy of Paul D. Ohlenbusch et al, Managing Kansas Grazinglands for Water Quality, Kansas State University. |
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