Both Elloam and Absher are heavy clay pan soils that have the potential for saline problems. The Montana Salinity Control Association is currently monitoring the Smith farm because of saline seep problems identified on an adjacent farm. They have installed two monitoring wells, located in section 13, approximately - 1 mile from the project site. According to the Montana Salinity Control Association, no saline seeps are present in section 13 and none were observed in section 12 during a site visit of the project. Generally, irrigation enhances crop cover during the growing season and provides more protection from wind and water erosion.
Irrigation also increases plant residues returned to the soil.
Soil structure is improved, microbe populations benefit from the added food source, and nitrogen fertility is enhanced. Assess impacts to existing vegetative cover. Assess whether the proposed project would result in the establishment or spread of noxious weeds. There will be no ground disturbing activities associated with the diversion structure. A pump will be placed in an existing reservoir.