Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2, 2nd Edition: Water-Harvesting Earthworks

Brad Lancaster has put together a clear, well-written, well-researched (and implemented) compendium of a multitude of ways to harvest rainwater on properties large and small. Worth every penny—and more.

Out of all the green infrastructure references I’ve collected over the years, this volume is the one that is the most dog-eared, coffee stained, and worn from field-visits and community-outreach events.I first came across this book about ten years ago in support of a water harvesting certification program offered by Watershed Management Group—a well-respected non-profit that does amazing work in my community. Using the techniques outlined in this volume, I championed several EPA-funded water harvesting projects along the US/Mexico border region on behalf of the State of Arizona (via EPA Border 2012/20 program). In that capacity, I have turned to this book dozens of times for its broad collection of practical applications and real world examples for brainstorming projects and engaging new stakeholders and friends. I've also used images and techniques from this volume to successfully engage my Home Owners Association on water saving strategies for common areas. On several occasions, I've gifted this book to my colleagues in Mexico in the hopes it would plant new seeds in far way locations for restoring our shared landscapes and sustainability of our communities. Given this context, purchasing the second edition was an easy decision.For those of you who own a previous edition and are debating whether to purchase the latest, don’t hesitate-- in addition to the new material, the color plates alone are amazing and WELL WORTH IT! For those of you who are new to rainwater harvesting, you've come to the right place. I only wish I had this color edition ten years ago when I was first getting started, sharing photos, and saying "Look at these amazing things we can do!"

Have not completed the entire manual, however, an upper reviews shows this to be very informative

Highly recommended!!!

On time. Well-packed for travel. Book arrived without bends, breaks, tears, stains or marks.

Brad Lancaster’s revised editions Volume 1 and 2 of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond are a must have for any newcomer or experienced person who wishes to harvest rainwater in multiple ways.The pages light up with the new full color graphics and photos. I especially appreciate the updates on real-life case studies, tracking the time-tested experience of Mr. Lancaster’s, and others, work. I have successfully utilized both volumes in learning the most effective ways of capturing rainwater, here in the Northwest where we have very dry summers.As our climate changes these volumes are an indispensable tool toward assisting the reader to more fully comprehend the cause and effect of harvesting water, the earth’s most valuable resource.As the title indicates the core of these books is harvesting rainwater, yet they are so much more.Volume 2 continues the story of water harvesting, offering a diversity of strategiesof how to harvest rainwater in simple and efficient ways in a variety of scales, from urban to large scale rural. As a landscape consultant, I work with clients to guide the process of manipulating water movement on the land. From utilizing the shovel to large scale machinery earthworks, Brad Lancaster writes in detail the mechanisms to capture water and direct it where it is most needed.As an instructor of whole systems landscape design, these books are extremely useful in sharing with my students. The quick reference guides provide the opportunity to gain a whole systems approach to water harvesting, as are the expanded tools and how-to information.In Volume 1, Mr. Maseko, the African farmer, so aptly stated: You’ve got to plant the water before you can plant the trees. Brad Lancaster’s book skillfully offers us the tools in how to effectively plant water.Jude Hobbs is an internationally recognized permaculturist with 35 years’ experience in the design and teaching fields.

Indigenous peoples have long used earthworks and containers to harvest rainwater for drinking and irrigation. In his two volume series on rainwater harvesting, Brad Lancaster has updated these ancient techniques for both the urban dweller and rural homesteader. A large percentage of municipal water is used for watering vegetation, even though arid cities like Tucson are facing a serious water crisis. Volume 2 of Lancaster's rainwater harvesting guide contains detailed instructions on how to build earthworks that will divert rainwater to your garden, so that precious municipal water is conserved. This well-written, beautifully illustrated volume is just as delightful to read as Volume 1. These rainwater harvesting techniques are also applicable to other areas. I wish I had this book when I lived in Wisconsin, because the sloped, back yard of my former house was so barren even weeds would not grow there. Earthworks such as described in this book would have helped to retain water, and actually grow a garden.

Es un libro práctico, fácil de entender aun con un nivel bajo de inglés gracias a la gran cantidad de fotos explicativas.Lo recomiendo si quieres poner en práctica la "captura" de agua en tu parcela.No le doy 5 estrellas ya que no entiendo porque el autor tiene publicados 3 libros con un contenido similar. Muchos de los temas se repiten. Podría haber publicado un solo libro tocando todos los temas en vez de hacerte comprar 3 volúmenes distintos. Supongo que lo hace para ganar más dineroVery practical book with plenty of self explaining pictures.On the downside: I really think the author could summarize his 3 books into a single one as most of the content is repeated.

A very informative book, with lots of practical ideas, designs, inspiring stories, and well thought out recommendations, which come from a long history of experimentation, research and successes in his personal experiences. The pictures are easy to understand, the material enjoyable and the author very likeable. It's a book that is hard to put down!A friend who operates an rainwater catchment/earthworks business, shaping farmland to capture and raintain water has read this book twice, refered it to me and keeps going back to the principals and designs constantly!A must for any beginner or experienced rainwater harverster - everyone in between!

Excellent guide for creating a water-balanced landscape. Although it was written with the southwestern US climate in mind, I have been able to use the concepts in the BC Interior to mitigate our rainwater fluctuations: increasingly wet springs and dry summers. I highly recommend it.

practical