Enhancing multi-functionality of agriculture through rainwater harvesting system

Abstract

The multi-functionality of agriculture was studied from June to December 2005 in an upland community in Central Luzon, Philippines, by looking across the entire basin of two small water impounding systems or SWIP (Maasin and Buted II). Several sub-studies were undertaken, namely (a) the role of dominant vegetative cover on the rate of surface runoff and erosion; (b) rainfall-runoff analysis in a sub-watershed (i.e., through runoff experimental plot) and within the main watershed (i.e., reservoir inflow analysis); and (c) the environmental functions of agriculture across the entire watershed. The results indicated that about 85% (i.e., throughfall) of rainfall could reach the ground as vegetations intercept the rest. The runoff experimental plot covering a sub-watershed revealed a good correlation between throughfall and runoff. On the other hand, monitoring of reservoir inflows through which surface runoff was measured indicated similar behavior. Integrating the result of runoff experimental plot studies and reservoir inflow analysis resulted to a rainfall-runoff relation which can be applied in the development of rainwater harvesting scheme. The result also showed the dominance of surface runoff as This paper is part of the progress report of the project "Multi-functionality of Agriculture in Selected Sites in the Philippines" presented in the 6th Meeting of the Working Group for the ASEAN-Japan Project on Multi-functionality of Agriculture in ASEAN Countries. R. N. Concepcion ( ) · S. M. Contreras · W.the main component of reservoir inflow, confirming the soil and water conservation, and flood prevention functions of the system. Flood analysis conducted in both SWIP confirmed their flood prevention function by reducing flood peak discharge. The difference between with and without the reservoir was also highlighted in the process. In the paddy field, a 5-cm water depth was consistently maintained, contributing in retaining about 0.543 and 0.272 MCM of rainwater in Maasin and Buted II, respectively. The value of fostering groundwater recharge throughout the entire system was almost equivalent to the value of flood prevention function. Moreover, SWIP also trapped sediments, thereby preventing offsite impact downstream and in surrounding areas.

Analysis of Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation to the Impacts of Climate Change in the Agricultural Sector in Northern Philippines

“…Rainwater harvesting systems have high independent benefits. By serving as a flood control measure, a flood peak discharge in an upland community in Northern Philippines can be reduced by 1.9 to 3.18 times than without having these systems (Concepcion et al 2006) can be achieved. They can also serve as recreation areas increasing local tourism, and as additional sources of livelihood providing a food supply (e.g.…”

“…They also enhance biodiversity and conserve soil by trapping sediments during run-off preventing impacts on downstream areas (Concepcion et al 2006).…”

Effects of wheat yield and area under wheat crop on agricultural GDP in Pakistan: An econometric analysis

“…To combat this issue, the harvesting and utilization of rain water have been successfully applied in many arid regions, wherein runoff water from catchment areas is collected and then direction to crop acreage (Qiang et al, 2006;Short and Lantzke, 2006). Rain water efficiency can be improved with appropriate water harvesting techniques, such as those with a focus on micro-watershed management (Concepcion et al, 2006;Zakaria et al, 2012). Such techniques can increase the capacity of water per unit crop area and also increase productivity (Oweis and Hachum, 2003;Ramotra and Giakwad, 2012;Rehman et al, 2016b).…”

Rainwater harvesting for enhancing upland agriculture: Lessons and experiences in selected upland farming communities in Albay Province, Philippines

“…Rainwater harvesting through small water impounding projects (SWIPs) addresses the unbalanced rainfall distribution by collecting and storing direct rainfall and surface runoff for future use (Contreras et al, 2013) of an earth embankment, spillway, outlet works and canal facilities. Aside from economic benefits, SWIPs have an important role in enhancing the multi-functionality of agriculture, particularly in the uplands (Concepcion et al, 2006). Socioeconomic benefits from SWIPs can be seen at the farm and community levels (Monsalud, Montesur, & Abucay, 2003;Naval, 2016) .…”