Comparing the effects of different micro catchments on runoff harvesting in Kermanshah Province, Iran

Water resources scarcity is the negative impact of climate change, which is more severe in arid and semi-arid regions, including Iran. However, harvesting water through micro-catchment is one of the possible issues for combating this problem. This research was conducted in Kaboodeh-Olya Village to compare the effects of three different micro catchment systems on runoff harvesting and increasing soil moisture. The experimental plots were constructed at a 20% hill slope in northern direction. Research was carried out in randomized experimental block with tree replications. Micro catchments were constructed in rhomboid-shape (1.7×1.7 m) and treatments included plastic with pebble pavement (PPP), compacted surface soil with crop residue (CSCR) and control plot (CP) which was a natural surface soil. The harvested runoff from each plot was stored in a container with 100 litter capacity at the downward. The valium of overland flow was measured after each rainfall occurrence. Results demonstrated that harvested runoff rates through PPP, CSCR and CP were 88, 44 and 16 percent, respectively indicating significant effects (p<0.05) of both PPP and CSCR on runoff harvesting. Furthermore, the effective rainfall for triggering runoff at the PPP, CSCR and CP were 0.8, 1.5 and 3.4 mm that significantly was lower in PPP. Consequently, in limited CSCR building, the SSS can be used for maximum runoff harvesting and soil moisture storage.