4 Zanja Sistema de fitodepuración 3

Super Zanja: Creating a Sustainable Water Management System

Overview of the Trench Design

• The project involves creating a trench (zanja) for water management, measuring 14 meters in length and approximately 50 cm deep.

• The trench has a width of 1.5 meters and is designed with a slight slope to facilitate water flow.

Plant Selection and Arrangement

• Various aquatic plants have been utilized, including papyrus, canna indica, sugar cane, vetiver, banana plants, and dimorphoteca.

• Most plants were propagated from cuttings except for lavender; artemisia was also grown from cuttings taken from their greenhouse.

Implementation Strategy

• An improvised design incorporates emergent species like Ficus elastica and Populus alba alongside other vegetation for filtration purposes.

• A line of vetiver is planted along with alternating rows of papyrus and canna indica to enhance biodiversity within the trench.

Water Management Techniques

• Plans include planting castor bean seeds in the center area to promote growth during spring; additional banana plants will be added as they become available.

• A system is proposed where excess water can be directed into the trench using flexible tubing to maintain moisture levels during dry periods.

Erosion Control Measures

• The trench features a drainage system at its lowest point to prevent overflow while ensuring that compost remains intact.

• Large stones are placed at the outlet to filter water gradually without eroding organic material or soil fertility.

Future Considerations

• The design is modular; if current systems do not meet needs, additional trenches can be constructed without complex calculations.

• Initial plantings are expected to thrive due to favorable conditions such as anticipated rainfall.