The day after the first rain. Hallelujah. Video two.

Water Infiltration and Behavior in Clay Soil
*Infiltration Process:*
*First Rain:* Clay soil absorbs water slowly due to its fine particles, leading to surface water accumulation and potential runoff[2].
*Subsequent Rains:* Continued rainfall can saturate the soil, causing swelling and reduced infiltration capacity[1].
*Prolonged Rainfall:* Extended rain periods result in waterlogged conditions, further reducing soil aeration and increasing compaction risk[2].
*Drying and Humidity Effects:*
*Drying Out:* Clay soil shrinks, hardens, and may crack as it loses moisture[1].
*Humidity Uptake:* When absorbing moisture, clay expands and becomes sticky, which can lead to structural changes in the soil[2].
*Optimal Conditions for Earthworks:*
The best time for earthworks is when the soil is relatively dry but not too hard, typically in early autumn. Ideal soil moisture content should be around 20-30% to avoid compaction[2].
Limiting Compaction of Clay Soil
1. *Use Raised Beds:* Improves drainage and reduces foot traffic on the soil.
2. *No-Dig Gardening:* Minimizes disturbance to the soil structure.
3. *Add Organic Matter:* Incorporate compost or manure to improve soil texture.
4. *Apply Gypsum:* Helps flocculate clay particles, improving structure.
5. *Avoid Working Wet Soil:* Prevents compaction and puddling.
6. *Use Mulches:* Retains moisture and reduces surface crusting.
7. *Plant Cover Crops:* Enhances soil structure with root systems.
8. *Limit Heavy Machinery Use:* Reduces pressure on the soil surface.
9. *Create Paths for Foot Traffic:* Directs movement away from planting areas.
10. *Rotate Crops:* Prevents continuous pressure on the same area[2].
Citations:
[1] Swelling and shrinking soils - British Geological Survey www.bgs.ac.uk/...
[2] Clay soils / RHS Gardening www.rhs.org.uk...
[3] The combined effect of clay and moisture content on the behavior of ... www.sciencedir...
[4] Effects of Methods of Drying on the Engineering Behavior of Clays www.researchga...
[5] Influences of temperature and moisture histories on the ... www.sciencedir...
[6] How can humidity changes the clay soil field capacity? - SciSpace typeset.io/que...
Infiltración y comportamiento del agua en suelos arcillosos
*Proceso de infiltración:*
*Primera lluvia:* El suelo arcilloso absorbe el agua lentamente debido a sus partículas finas, lo que provoca la acumulación de agua superficial y la posible escorrentía[2].
*Lluvias posteriores:* Las lluvias continuas pueden saturar el suelo, lo que provoca hinchazón y una menor capacidad de infiltración[1].
*Lluvias prolongadas:* Los períodos prolongados de lluvia dan lugar a condiciones de anegamiento, lo que reduce aún más la aireación del suelo y aumenta el riesgo de compactación[2].
*Efectos de desecación y humedad:*
*Desecación:* El suelo arcilloso se encoge, se endurece y puede agrietarse a medida que pierde humedad[1].
*Absorción de humedad:* Al absorber humedad, la arcilla se expande y se vuelve pegajosa, lo que puede provocar cambios estructurales en el suelo[2].
*Condiciones óptimas para los movimientos de tierra:*
El mejor momento para los movimientos de tierra es cuando el suelo está relativamente seco pero no demasiado duro, normalmente a principios del otoño. El contenido ideal de humedad del suelo debe rondar el 20-30 % para evitar la compactación[2].
Limitar la compactación del suelo arcilloso
1. *Utilizar canteros elevados:* mejora el drenaje y reduce el tránsito peatonal sobre el suelo.
2. *Jardinería sin excavar:* minimiza la alteración de la estructura del suelo.
3. *Agregar materia orgánica:* incorpora compost o estiércol para mejorar la textura del suelo.
4. *Aplicar yeso:* ayuda a flocular las partículas de arcilla, mejorando la estructura.
5. *Evitar trabajar el suelo húmedo:* evita la compactación y la formación de charcos.
6. *Utilizar mantillo:* retiene la humedad y reduce la formación de costras en la superficie.
7. *Plantar cultivos de cobertura:* mejora la estructura del suelo con sistemas de raíces.
8. *Limita el uso de maquinaria pesada:* reduce la presión sobre la superficie del suelo.
9. *Crear caminos para el tránsito peatonal:* aleja el movimiento de las áreas de plantación.
10. *Rotación de cultivos:* evita la presión continua sobre la misma zona[2].

[@markodeen4105]

More rain, Fantastic‼ I look forward to seeing how things look in a month and next summer.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

That is really something to look forward to. Thanks for sharing

[@TimelineRanch]

I'm sure over time, the pond will seal itself. The perfect amount of rain for the first rain of the year. Thanks for sharing.

[@rubenboerde9935]

Looks good! ❤

[@mdt13]

Rain queen!

[@rajsinghji-84]

What a wonderful morning 😊

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

We are living an amazing life. Thank you for sharing Raj

[@SMTRodent]

I hope there ends up being enough to save all of your trees.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Yes. Next summer is lurking. Thank you for sharing

[@mathiasfriman8927]

Congrats on a wonderful catchment system 😁 Must feel very nice to have so much water to work with.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

At this stage we collect all water coming to this land, except through the creek. Thank you for sharing

[@cindysunley5992]

So beautiful, the people of light shall bring water to the dry places to make a garden and a green place. Hallelujah!

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Beautifully said. Thank you

[@cindysunley5992]

@@SuerteDelMolinoFarm I repeat from the Essene Gospel of Peace. Love that book. Have a peaceful day

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

@@cindysunley5992 Thank you for sharing beautiful words. We are blessed to have your sharing.

[@NellSaftic]

Great So happy for you ❤🎉

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Thank you

[@tonstril]

Nice. Everyone will flower like no other year.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing

[@Argrouk]

Oh wow, that's looking amazing, I'm so happy for you.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Thanks for sharing

[@mechanics4all405]

well deserved❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Yea man. Thank you

[@walkingSherpa]

Hello Martin This looks all great. Do you think you could give us an update on your neighbours were you helped them to create some retention-builds ? I'm curious ! With much love from Austria, wre we have a mild winter of 14°C and rain today. All people switched on their Ovens a month ago.

[@paulmitchell5349]

Good to see. Maybe make some more ponds to back this up.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Yes. That is somehow always a possibility. Thanks for the sharing

[@paulmitchell5349]

@@SuerteDelMolinoFarm If you could find a large 2nd hand water tank then evaporation would be ended.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

@@paulmitchell5349 I'm looking. I'm looking. Thank you for sharing

[@mfrodyma1480]

Good luck with the camera!!! It was great to see the success of the major change to the channel to the first pond. Are you going to plant grass seed? Or extend your rock cover? Thanks for sharing.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Plant I will. Stones I have to. Thanks for sharing

[@drazencvija8166]

Let's see what next rain will bring! Flow of water should be way stronger because soil is already wet

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Yes. I'll have to do some tweeting. Thanks for sharing

[@a.p.approxima5145]

NNNNNNN ... N I C E !

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Yes yes yes