Abstract:
This study addressed the hydrological processes
of runoff and sedimentation, soil moisture content,
and properties under the effect of different water harvesting
techniques (treatments). The study was conducted
at three sites, representing environmental condition gradients,
located in the southern part of the West Bank. For
each treatment, the study evaluated soil chemical and
physical properties, soil moisture at 30 cm depth, surface
runoff and sedimentation at each site. Results showed that
runoff is reduced by 65–85% and sedimentation by 58–
69% in stone terraces and semi-circle bunds compared to
the control at the semi-humid site. In addition, stone
terraces and contour ridges significantly reduced the
amount of total runoff by 80% and 73%, respectively, at
the arid site. Soil moisture content was significantly
increased by water harvesting techniques compared to the
control in all treatments at the three study sites. In
addition, the difference between the control and the water
harvesting structures were higher in the arid and semi-arid
areas than in the semi-humid area. Soil and water conservation,
via utilization of water harvesting structures, is
an effective principle for reducing the negative impact of
high runoff intensity and subsequently increasing soil
moisture storage from rainfall. Jessour systems in the
valley and stone terraces were effective in increasing soil
moisture storage, prolonging the growing season for natural
vegetation, and decreasing the amount of supplemental
irrigation required for growing fruit trees.
