Keyline water management techniques on Vancouver Island

This report details the process and findings of an applied research project that studied two keyline water management techniques on three farms in the Capital Regional District on Vancouver Island.

Two keyline water management techniques — keyline pattern subsoil ripping and keyline mound formation — were implemented and monitored with three different production model:

  • Pastured livestock
  • Tree and herb crops
  • Annual vegetables

The project aimed to measure the changes in water storage and soil quality after keyline plowing on pasture.

It tested soil moisture and soil quality metrics that might show change within two full growing seasons.

Downloads

Project Report - Keyline Water Management: Field Research and Education in the Capital Region - 2018

3 MB, pdf