Swale Project Part 1: Finding Contour Lines 

I need to place flags on the contours of my plot and this seems like a good solution. I will plant an agroforestry system composed of cactus, mesquite, creosote bush, apricots and wild flowers.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing such a simple, neat way to find those slopes!!

I don't think the swales need to be that deep. You need deeper swales for sharper grades, but on a gentle slope like this, maybe 6 inches is enough. Basically, just come in from one side at a slight angle, to make "check" shaped swale, instead of a trough. It works nevertheless, but its more work, and maybe not needed. BTW, you get better results by having a greater number of shallow swales than having fewer but deeper. Especially on gentle grades. You can basically grade and contour the whole property with swales in set intervals of seperation going downgrade.

Love seeing it! Now need to check your newer videos.

Excellent solution for finding subtle slope. Get better soon! 🙏

Awesome Job! This really has potential I think. It makes sense and should work very well! Great job!

Just came across this vid. Impressive tool, being so easy to make & use. Looking forward to seeing the progress of the swales Good luck with your back,

And it is absolutely good enough...

Really good idea. Sorry you hurt your back, hopefully with a little rest it will be good as new again. Looking forward to seeing your swales progress.

Nice idea for finding contour. I might add another 1x2 to it, turned 90 degrees and screw to the existing one. A stiff back that would keep it from bowing.

That was a nice tool you came up with.

Nice DIY tool .. I think I would want longer legs on it, so I wouldn't have to bend over to use it. Those mesquite beans look like they are getting ready to pick 😊👍

I am going to share this out in a big way.

I like your simple system, bud

Thanks for making this!! Super helpful to see!!

i dig myne when its raining.. a little bit each time.. i follow the flow an did small "holes" along the path.

Great idea. I also have the wind issue with my A frame level and have added a level to the cross beam. Maybe I don't really need the A - may be easier to store. Thanks for the video.

Brilliant level hack! I was wanting to start marking some of my property but was dreading the a frame tool that’s suggested. I might make one taller, but going to use this idea 💡

Thanks

So simple, so awesome 👌

Very clever device thanks for sharing

Great simple solution!

Thank you so much! This makes way more sense to me! 😁🙌🏻

Great idea, thanks. Don't want to hear about your back though, I wouldn't have known had you told me🙂 Hope you're cured anyhoo

Looking good

Are you building an overflow channel for your swale, or not needed? Amazing how similar your terrain and vegetation looks to what we have here in central Mexico

Nice way to find level, it’s been 6 months how’s Your back? I made a water level about the time you made this video. I got to make a video of it. You could use it to make a1% or 2% Grade from the road to get that water all the way out there or you want it with no erosion anyway how did it work out?

I made a bunyip and works great but yes needs 2 people

How close are you to Cornudas or Dell City? I have 20 acres about 5-7 miles south west of the Cornudas Cafe on US62/180 in the Sunset Ranches Subdivision areas

I'm not sure if it's the camera angle... but the dirt from the swale trench , the berm, should be on the downward slope side, not upslope. Reason is as the dirt acts like a water storage sponge for trees you plant in that berm. Critical to the swale working, by keeping the water near surface, by the negative atmosphere upward suction created by the tree roots in the berm. Swales are a tree growing system on contour. Otherwise these are just water soak drainage ditches. It will improve a little but you won't likely get the results you want, which is 7yr long term water availability in the sub soil of the slope. Trees with roots are the vital ingredient to keeping the water available and trickling very slowly down the slopes sub soil. Slowed by the roots negative atmospheres suction below ground.

Good job.. Can you share what Instrument you used to dig out the swales ..cuz they look reall neat!!

Super hack, not offending, but if you're using a low quality tool (seems to me) your level can be inaccurate depending on the length, because it sums up. The A frame is in that case more accurate.

Freakin' genius, man. Don't mind if I nab your invention for my own personal use, I hope ;)

Not too shabby, you could have put that water level on the a frame as well. I have seen people do that