The swales mimic the large dead trees in an ancient forest. Mimicing nature is another word for getting back into alignment. The regenerative grazing has laerned we need to mimic the disturbance pattern of the buffalo and wolf. Creates amazing ecosystems of North America, our meadows and grasslands.
What we have learned is that the grass when we first got here could be tied in a bow from saddle height which is 6 or 7 feet in the air. If our grass isnt growing that tall it is being stunted. We are seeing that now with the cattle now. We are learning that from a carbon storage perspective now. That root system is arguably the same size below ground. All the grasses grazed to nothing, this means the root system is stunted. A stunted system everywhere.
So yes, we need to manage these systems and cows. Move the cows around properly allow the grass to generate. Become aware of how these perrannual plants want and need to grow. Im all for it, its a great idea. We need to talk about fire and how it will bring back all the saje. We have to much saje in the south end. The elders mentioned this. We need to bring back the fire.
Swales mimic old growth forests. Manage moisture and nutrients. Are home for fungus which is very important. Established swales support the meadows, may not need irrigation or tilling. Fungus is only plant that can break down cellulose. Lets support this. Focus on Perannuals and berries. How we can work with nature. Copus wood lots. Food security is important. Understanding soil and how we can nurture soil is very important. Mushrooms can be considered anywhere with shade and moisture. Relationships with first Nations. Truth and reconcilliation. Healing the Karma from the past. Regenerative grazing, lets do it.
Water lenses increase the ‘humidity bubble’ at the ‘soil horizon’ level. The ‘moisture retention’ comes from the fungal matrix (mycorhyzal fungi). Fungus represent 80-90% of the moisture holding capacity.
Large dead down are trees 24" in diameter or larger that lay on the forest floor for centuries. As fungus enter them to decompose, they increase exponentially in their ability to store water. Additionally the underside of these horizontal masses shade the earth which also maintains humidity along the soil horizon. If these masses of carbon lay level along the contour, they slow, spread and soak moisture coming off the landscape during snow melt and rain events. SSOCs (Slash Swales On Contour) are one way we can bio-mimic these large dead down trees that industrial forestry has pushed into slash piles and burned over the past century.