Author(s): Mohammad Taghi Dastorani, Banafshe Kouhzad, Adel Sepehr, Ali Talebi
Linked Author(s): Mohammad Taghi Dastorani
Keywords: Water harvesting, arid lands, Negarim Microcatchment, absorbing Banquette, soil moisture
Abstract: Water harvesting Knowledge has an ancient history. From old times, people, specially, occupants of arid lands whose access to water was limited, invent different ways to collect and conserve water. Today, many of these methods are reclaimed and introduced as Indigenous Knowledge. There are many case studies in different branches of water harvesting and new methods based on Indigenous Knowledge that have been presented. These studies especially in our country, which is situated in the desert belt, are of importance. Present study was carried out in a watershed near Mashhad in Iran. Given that Mashhad city is situated in a semi-arid zone in KhorasanRazavi, therefore, is in a good situation for this study. The selected area located in Dehbar district, south of Mashhad contains different parts with various slopes. Basic meteorology data were collected and essential soil properties were measured in soil lab. Based on references, experiences and the local characteristics, it was attempted to choose the best structures for the area. Negarim microcatchment and absorbing Banquette was chosen for both of the slopes. During the nine months, after each precipitation, soil sampling was done with six times of repeating process. Soil moisture was calculated after each time. Using basic data and soil information, Changing Procedure of soil moisture was studied. Graph analysis showed that in total, both structures performances were 20% better than the control plots. At the end of precipitation period, losing moisture in control plots is about two times more than the structures, an average of 30%. The acquired results confirm the success of tested structures on utilization of soil moisture
Year: 2017