Management of Recharge Basins on the Southern High Plains

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ABSTRACT IMPROVED management practices increased infiltra-tion rates in excavated basins and more than doubled the amount of turbid playa water artificially recharged to the Ogallala aquifer. Management practices that in-creased recharge most were increased depth of flooding and partial incorporation of an organic mat (cotton gin trash) in the bottom of recharge basins. Addition of ca-tionic flocculent to playa water increased the total amount of playa water infiltrated when suspended sedi-ment content of the water was 250 to 300 mg/L but had little effect on infiltration when water contained 150 mg/L suspended soilds.