For years farmers have used a variety of methods to increase the amount of water stored in the soil from the spring snowmelt. The low development and operating costs of backflooding make it an inexpensive way to increase crop and forage production. Backflood Designs There are four basic backflood designs. The topography, the amount and source of water, and the type of farming that's being carried out will determine the design of the system used. Controlled drainage systems use ditches and other structures to control and divert water from sloughs.
Diversion is the least complicated of spring backflood irrigation systems.
A dike across a natural water run holds water on the land until the water has served its purpose. Pumped diversion systems use water from creeks or rivers to irrigate fields. Pumped drainage systems are used in areas where the topography does not allow for adequate natural drainage. Water is pumped off from a sump at the lowest end of the field and into a natural watercourse. The object is to fill the root zone and then use the stored water during the growing season.