When the level of the Weser had reached a certain height, the water flowed through a sluice into the main canal near Hoya and from there to the actual irrigation area. Small weirs were used to dam up the canal so that the water could be directed to the appropriate areas. This was done via supply channels. In detail, these were (from north to south):
Thedinghausen Canal Swarm Channel Süstedt-Uenzen Canal Martfeld canal Wöpser Kanal
Hess had planned to use the so-called dust irrigation system for irrigation. In this process, the inlet sluice of a district was opened so that it was gradually flooded. At the same time, the discharge sluice was not fully opened, ensuring that the water level on the meadows never exceeded 30 to 50 centimeters. After two or three days, the first lock was closed and the second opened completely so that the water could flow out again. In the meantime the Weser silt had settled. In addition, the slow, steady flooding ensured constant water movement, which transported oxygen and carbon dioxide.
In the entire area of the Bruchhausen-Syke-Thedinghausen melioration cooperative, an attempt was made to ensure an even distribution of water by means of control dams.
The natural watercourses Eiter and Süstedter Bach functioned as drainage rivers to the north. For this purpose they were deepened and straightened.
Basically, all areas were irrigated in the winter months, when the Weserstrom carried a particularly large amount of sediment and suspended matter. In summer, on the other hand, only the level in the ditches was maintained to prevent the groundwater level from sinking and to give the animals the opportunity to drink water. In addition, in the summer they dealt with the drainage.
Every farmer who wanted to participate in the irrigation had to pay 32 gold marks per hectare per year for maintenance, operation, administration and interest to the cooperative. There were also 5 gold marks for the district costs.
Translated by Google •
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