35 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



1. Initiate an extensive, coordinated research program dealing 

 with all aspects of the saline seep problem. Critical research needs 

 include accurate information on: 



A. Total acreage affected. 



B. Annual loss of crops and livestock in terms of market 

 value. 



C. Extent of seep-caused water quality problems and cost 

 of restoring affected waters to beneficial use. 



D. And, impacts on fish and wildlife resources and losses 

 to the associate recreation industry. 



2. Identify major recharge areas and where feasible improve 

 the runoff efficiency on fallow fields to avoid ponding. 



3. Intensify cropping practices over the entire northern plains 

 region, particularly in recharge areas and during years with average 

 or above average spring precipitation. 



4. Rotate perennial grasses and deep-rooted legumes into the 

 cropping program. Available data show that alfalfa can use soil moisture 

 to a depth of 25 feet once it gets established. 



5. Determine why the native plant cover, working together 

 with the hydrologic and soils regime, has been able to prevent saline 

 seeps, and apply this knowledge in farming practice. 



