Swales are a way to slow, sink, and spread water while also mitigating erosion on slopes, and they can be made by hand with a shovel. Swales provide microclimates that can help plants and soil biology to establish in degraded soils.

At this field day, we will use swales and soil restoration techniques to stabilize an eroding, sandy hillside above the Acequia de la Mesa Prieta on a farm in Ojo Caliente. We’ll start by learning how to build and use low-tech A-frames to find contour and then design and dig the swales, adding organic matter to the soil as we go. We will also learn about soil biology as we make and apply a compost extract. Then, we’ll sow a diversity of seeds and add mulch.

• When: Saturday May 4, 2024 10am – 4pm MT, lunch will be provided
• Where: 34503 Highway 285 Ojo Caliente

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Sponsored by New Mexico Healthy Soil Working Group. NMHSWG Upcoming Events.