Have you ever run down a hill as fast as you can? Have you ever fallen in the process? Well, that's surface runoff. Energy and mass are in motion as water races to the ocean.
Surface runoff, also referred to as surface drainage, pertains to the removal of water on top of the land. This includes natural and irrigated water energy events as well as site run-on water.
How does surface runoff affect my land use? Well, let's put it into some boxes.
1)Rapid- water and energy move quickly. Only small amounts work into the soil profile without outside interaction. Erosion is higher and occurs on slopes greater than 5%.
2) Moderate- water leaves readily. However, it is slow enough that great amounts enter into the soil. Some erosion occurs yet the water movement is desirable for moisture supply appropriately.
3) Slow- Water moves off-site slowly and stays wet for long periods. Slopes are 1/2 -1% which supplies water sufficiently, however, may interfere with cultivation and engineering. This category is not a deterrent.
4) Very slow- Water is removed so slowly that it becomes an issue. slopes are 1/2- 0% in 100 feet of drop. Moisture either flows through or evaporates which can cause swampy as well as drought conditions during extremes. This creates issues with sewage systems as well as cultivation.
There you have it. Surface runoff in a nutshell. Don't be afraid to engage appropriately with energy on its way out. Tap it along the way and harvest. Enjoy.
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