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Published on: August 5, 2020
Rainwater harvesting potentials for drought mitigation in Iran
1Khorasan Agriculture and Natural Resource Research Center, Iran. tabatabaee_j@yahoo.com
Summary
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) in semi-arid Iran significantly boosts crop yields and fruit tree survival. RWH systems effectively supplement water resources, crucial for combating water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Water scarcity is a growing concern in semi-arid regions, particularly in Iran, due to climate change and increasing water demand.
- Traditional water management strategies are often insufficient to meet the needs of agriculture and domestic use in these vulnerable areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems for mitigating water scarcity in a semi-arid region (Mashhad, Iran).
- To assess the potential of RWH for agricultural irrigation and domestic water supply.
Main Methods:
- Installation and monitoring of three distinct RWH systems: natural ground catchment with plastic sheeting, asphaltic road runoff, and rooftop catchment.
- Quantification of collected runoff and its application for irrigating dryland wheat, fruit trees, and supplying building sanitation.
- Two years of data collection on system performance, inflow/outflow, and agricultural yield.
Main Results:
- Irrigated wheat plots using RWH showed nearly double the grain yield compared to rainfed cultivation.
- Runoff from asphaltic surfaces adequately supplied water for irrigating 900 fruit trees during dry seasons.
- Rooftop RWH provided sufficient water for toilet flushing and sanitary uses, significantly saving potable water.
Conclusions:
- Rainwater harvesting is a viable and effective strategy for alleviating water shortages in semi-arid zones.
- RWH systems can enhance agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on scarce potable water resources.
- Implementing RWH is crucial for adapting to climate change impacts and ensuring sustainable water management.
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