Chapter 204: Building a Simple Irrigation System
Chapter 204: Building a Simple Irrigation System
After completing their sowing work, Ye Wan and Xie Linchuan realized that crops couldn't thrive without adequate water. Although a clear stream flowed through the valley, directing its water to the fields and establishing a stable irrigation system presented another challenge. With no modern equipment, only primitive tools and limited resources, ensuring consistent irrigation was a task that tested their ingenuity and endurance.
Planning irrigation routes
In the fresh morning air, Ye Wan and Xie Linchuan stood at the edge of a field, gazing out at the stream in the distance. The water was crystal clear, and the sound of its flow seemed a natural rhythm, mingling with the rustling of the valley wind and the chirping of birds, a peaceful yet powerful experience. However, this tranquility didn't mean they had easy access to water.
"Although the stream has plenty of water, it's some distance from our farmland. We need to guide it to ensure that the water can flow into every field." Ye Wan pointed to the stream on one side of the valley and said firmly, "We need to design a suitable canal, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain, to allow the water to flow naturally into the farmland."
Xie Linchuan nodded, his gaze fixed on the direction of the stream, pondering the optimal canal route. "The terrain here is somewhat complex, and the water needs to pass through several small valleys before reaching the farmland. If we dig the canal from upstream, we should be able to use the natural slope to divert the water." With this, he began to lead the team to survey the terrain and determine the canal's route.
After some discussion and planning, the canal's route was finally determined. Xie Linchuan led a team to begin digging the canal. Ye Wan, on the other hand, was responsible for managing the farmland, ensuring that the crops were not affected, and coordinating the division of labor.
digging canals
Digging a canal is physically demanding work, and this task undoubtedly posed a huge challenge for the team members. Most of them had no experience with water conservancy projects, and lacked even the most basic knowledge of civil engineering. However, they were filled with determination because of their common goal.
Xie Linchuan stood in front, shovel in hand, and began to lead the digging. His movements were steady and powerful, and each shovel stroke seemed to carry a sense of power, as if the land and the stream were responding to his efforts.
"Everyone, do as I say. Make the edges of the canal smoother so the water can flow smoothly." Xie Linchuan gave instructions from time to time, his tone calm and firm. "Pay attention to the slope. Too steep will cause the water to flow too fast, and too flat will cause water to accumulate easily."
Wang Rui and Li Xue teamed up to clear mud from the canal. Their movements weren't as deft as Xie Linchuan's, but each swing of their shovels was filled with strength and confidence. Li Xue smiled as she worked, saying, "This work is exhausting, but just imagining the canal being repaired and the water flowing smoothly into the fields gives me a lot of motivation."
The other team members were also busy at their respective posts, with clear division of labor and collaborative work. Although everyone was sweating, they all had smiles on their faces. In the process of digging the canal, everyone learned how to use simple tools, how to allocate strength rationally, and even how to adjust the canal's path according to the terrain.
As time went by, the prototype of the canal gradually emerged. From the stream in the valley to the starting point of the farmland, there was already a clear ditch. The soil was removed shovel by shovel, and the bottom of the canal began to become flat.
Install irrigation facilities
As the canals were gradually dug, the next step was to build irrigation facilities. Since there was not enough wood in the valley, they could only use some rough logs, bamboo and vines to build simple water pipes and diversion facilities.
Ye Wan led the team in constructing simple irrigation systems using these natural materials. She instructed them to cut bamboo into appropriate lengths and tie them together with vines to form a simple water pipe system. Although this method looked crude, it was sufficient to meet the current needs.
"This water pipe needs to ensure that water can flow smoothly without too much resistance." Ye Wan instructed the team members to build the water pipe while carefully checking each joint to ensure the water flow was smooth. "Next, we need to check all the joints to ensure there are no leaks."
The team members diligently followed Ye Wan's instructions. Some sealed the joints of the bamboo pipes, while others used tools to check the smoothness of the water flow. Despite the simple conditions, everyone worked very efficiently, and soon the entire water pipe system was basically completed.
Water flows into farmland
After several days of hard work, the canal was finally completed. That day, Xie Linchuan and several team members stood at the starting point of the canal, ready to begin diverting water. Everyone's eyes were focused on Xie Linchuan, awaiting his command.
"Are you ready?" Xie Linchuan asked in a low voice, with a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Ready!" All the team members responded in unison.
He took a deep breath, slowly picked up a wooden stick, and gently pried open the drain. Instantly, the stream flowed like a silver stream, flowing down the drain into the fields. The water flowed through the bamboo pipes, slowly pouring into the fields, each drop seeming to bring life to the land.
"The water is flowing in!" Wang Rui shouted excitedly, "The water is flowing smoothly!"
Ye Wan stood in the fields, watching everything unfold with tender eyes. Clear stream water slowly flowed into the fields, nourishing the newly sown soil. Her heart was filled with joy and hope. At that moment, she felt immensely satisfied, knowing that this canal would bring new life to the farmland.
Xie Linchuan walked up to her and whispered, "Look, the water has flowed in. Our efforts have finally paid off."
Ye Wan nodded slightly, her eyes firm. "Yes, the next step is to see how the crops grow. As long as there is sufficient water and fertile soil, the seeds will definitely germinate and grow slowly."
Team collaboration and sense of accomplishment
The successful completion of the canal is not only a boon to the land, but also a testament to the team's collaborative spirit. Every member participated in the process, from digging the canal to installing the irrigation system. Their combined efforts ultimately led to the realization of their shared goal.
With the establishment of the irrigation system, the vitality of the farmland was guaranteed, and everyone's anticipation and joy reached a peak. Xie Linchuan patted Ye Wan on the shoulder and said with a smile, "We did it. Now, the seeds will be handed over to this land and the water."
Ye Wan responded with a smile, "Next, all we have to do is keep working hard. We will face many challenges in the days ahead, but as long as we unite as one, nothing can stop us."
As the water slowly seeps into the farmland, the entire valley seems to become more vibrant. The establishment of the irrigation system not only ensures the growth of crops, but also fills the hearts of every team member with hope.
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