Water Retention Techniques for Vegetation Establishment in TxDOT West Texas Districts (0-5748-1)

Water harvesting is the collection of runoff for its productive use and may aid in the germination and establishment of vegetation seeded in the roadside. This project is a synthesis study on the feasibility and implications of adapting water harvesting techniques to Texas roadsides in arid environments. The project uses a case-study approach via specific Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) roadway sites to investigate the potential application and impacts of adapting these techniques to roadside vegetation establishment and maintenance in a range of climate and soil conditions. The research seeks to develop alternative water harvesting techniques specifically adapted to the demanding environmental and safety requirements of the roadside. Recommendations for adoption are included along with guidelines, standard construction detail sheets, and specifications. A cost-benefit analysis for the various techniques and a recommendation for implementation of studies to field-verify the synthesis study is included in this report.