Story: Soil erosion and conservation

Water run-off weirs

Water run-off weirs

A first step in drawing up soil conservation guidelines was to measure water run-off and sediment content in different management systems. Today there is also emphasis on measuring the phosphorus and nitrogen content of the runoff water. This is a site for measuring run-off flow from a farmed catchment. The height of the water flowing through the V notch weir is automatically recorded by equipment in the small hut. Samples are also periodically taken for measurement of water quality. Measurements of surface run-off can also be made using small run-off plots.

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Photograph by Allan Gillingham

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How to cite this page:

Paul Gregg, 'Soil erosion and conservation - Legislation and catchment boards: 1940s–1950s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/19800/water-run-off-weirs (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Paul Gregg, published 24 Nov 2008