Watershed management;

WatershedAn area that provides runoff for a stream or reservoir

Any natural or manmade part of the landscape can be considered a watershed.

Examples include farmland, forests, fields, and parking lots.

WatershedsDrain downhill into bodies of water. If water in the watershed becomes polluted, the body of water it drains into will be polluted as well. Therefore, watershed management is important to help keep pollution to a minimum.

This may include prohibiting activities such as disposing of wastes or building structures near watersheds.

Importance of WatershedsProvide people with a healthy water supply and places for recreation.

Used to provide water for irrigation and local industry.

Wildlife depend on watersheds for places to live and nest.

People can live in watersheds.

WatershedsAnother feature of a watershed are the features nearest the water.

The presence of filter strips, wildlife habitats, riparian areas, and wetlands can greatly affect the quality of the water in the watershed.

Wetlands Areas•Wetlands are areas that have water covering the ground. Not only are wetlands excellent wildlife habitat but also serve a catch basin for runoff.

Riparian Areas•Riparian areas are areas of vegetation near the source of water.

Watershed Planning and Management

There are several steps in planning and managing a watershed. Following these steps will help to determine the success of the development of the watershed.

Before a watershed can be managed it must first be planned for and developed.

Watershed PlanningThe final step is to follow-up the project. Make sure that water quality monitoring is continued and the area is being managed appropriately.

Also, continued education is important.

Watershed ManagementOnce a watershed has been planned and developed, it has to be managed.

Make decisions about the watershed with the support of everyone involved. This should include the local partners and local community members.

Objectives of watershed management;

To protect, conserve and improve the land resources for efficient and sustainable production.

To protect and enhance water resources, moderate floods and reduce silting up of tanks .

Increse irrigation and conserve rainwater for crops.

To utilize the natural local resource for improving agriculture and allied occupation or industries so as to improve socio-economic conditions for local residents.

Benefits of watershed management;

Improved soil health.

Better drainage.

Efficient use of rain water.

Watershed Soil Type Can also determine the rate of drainage in the watershed.

Soils with high clay contents will drain more slowly which may result in more erosion and flooding.

Soils with a high sand content will drain more quickly.

Tecnological options for watershed management;Near flat or valley lands.Foot hills.Steep slopes.

Watershed developments methods;Basic land treatment.Crop and animal husbandry practices.

Alternate land use system.