It's Dry out there, Baby.
The vast fields of Farmland between Burren Junction and Walgett in North-Western New South Wales, Australia.
This area of Australia has been dogged by persistent drought recently. The Wheat "stubble", from a crop harvested a while ago persists on top of the soil. Rather than bare soil, the Farmer has left the stubble to protect the soil from wind erosion during the dry. The soil has to have moisture for any seed to germinate and start growing. Until that happens, sowing of the seed will not happen. When the time is right, the stubble will be ploughed back into the soil, providing nutrients and organic matter for the next crop. It's a waiting game. Waiting for the rain.
I remember seeing one time a device that forces condensation to form in the middle of the desert, it might be cool to have a cheap mass-production version of that where areas like this could have one placed out every 20 square ft. in a big grid that constantly draws water from the air and drips it into the ground, maybe then this place could look more like the stuff I post ^_^
Hmmm that sounds like a great idea, but might be a little expensive for large areas. Interestingly, this time of the year, the dew that forms in the early morning can keep crops alive, but only just enough if it rains to wet the soil. The water from the dew must get absorbed through the leaves and maybe wets the soil a little for the surface roots to soak up a little moisture before it evaporates. I have an Oat Crop that was sown when the soil was moist enough back a few months ago, and they get the dew every morning, and they are doing ok. Where these photos were taken, they have not even had a chance to sow seed. If your suggestion is viable and affordable, it could be a good solution though, as long as the crops grown would help pay back the capital cost.
I read Burren Junction as Barren Junction by mistake, but after reading the rest I think it might be the better name lol
You got it ! Absolutely Barren. How about 2 inches of rain in a year...
I hope it rains there. I believe that ground water is expensive to be pumped for just watering crops no?
Actually, we do not need to pump the water many from the Bores. The water is under natural pressure. The water from the Bores is unsuitable for crops as it is saline and has many dissolved minerals. but the Cattle and the wildlife love to drink it.
I see,
Here in my country, the deeper you get, the more cleaner the water is and is more than very drinkable. The water somewhat had the essence of a rock but we can get used to the taste immediately.
The same is true here in Australia. There are a few types of water that come from underground. I was referring to the water from the Great Artesian Basin, one of the world's largest freshwater aquifers. The water is quite variable depending on what part of the basin it comes from. However, in other parts of the Country, we also have wonderful Spring water that comes from deep underground too. This water is clean, pure and fresh and is very drinkable. The water from the Bores ( Great Artesian Basin ) is drinkable for humans, but it takes some getting used to, as it is a bit saline and has a lot of dissolved minerals, so if you drink it, the first few times, your stomach might be a little upset :)
Maybe it is like a sea down the great artesian basin where one can swim if they had gotten there like going into a cave full of water.
It is good I learned it from you now.
The Basin is very deep down, i don't know about its structured down there, but the Bore water that comes from it is quite variable. Some Bores have rotten egg smell, some smell fairly fresh. Also, the water come up at high temperature, too hot to have shower under, about 60 degrees centigrade. I am happy i can help you with some knowledge :)
great post, as usual!
You're welcome, as usual !