Development of a negarim micro-catchment system for citrus production

Abstract

A Negarim Micro-catchment System can be considered as a rudimentary form of irrigation and it is a directly productive form of soil and water conservation which focused on harvesting and conserving rainwater for improved crop productivity. The system was designed and constructed. The system consists of the catchment area, cultivated area, runoff plot, runoff gutter and collection tank. Results of the analysis revealed that on average, an annual rainfall of 1,233.6mm or higher can be expected at 50% probability of occurrence and at average frequency of occurrence of 1,233.61mm or higher can be expected a 50% probability of occurrence of 2½years interval. The results also showed that the mean runoff coefficient for the catchment throughout the period of observations is 0.48, the average value of crop water requirement is 3.63mm/month, the chemical analysis results also showed that the salinity, infiltration rate, toxicity and fertility level of the soil in the study area are satisfactory and suitable for citrus production and finally, the average catchment-cultivated area ratio (C:CA) is 1.0478. However, if the available rain can be concentrated on a small area, through water harvesting system, both yields and reliability of production can be significantly improved.

Keywords: Micro-catchment, Runoff Gutter, Infiltration Pit, Catchment Area, Cultivated Area, Runoff Plot