Reversing desertification by using dam reservoir sediments as agriculture soils

Abstract

Bottom sediments from two reservoirs in South Portugal were subject to chemical, physical and mineralogical study to test their suitability for agricultural use. In spite of large differences in geomorphic characteristics and lithology of the drainage basin, they have high levels of total, exchangeable and soluble forms of nutritional elements much needed for sustainable food-fibre production. Comparing our results with natural soils, we conclude that sandy sediments could be good agricultural soils on their own and the more clayey varieties, fertilizers for low quality soils. If sediment removal from the reservoirs becomes economically feasible, the suitability for agricultural use may eventually solve some classical problems such as: (1) the period of life of dam reservoirs filled with sediments, (2) the water quality, and (3) the scarcity of soils in some regions, turning a global problem into a global resource.

An assessment of sediment reuse for sediment management of Gallito Ciego Reservoir, Peru

“…Nevertheless, there are no international criteria and strategies for managing sedimentation in reservoirs. Fonseca et al. (1998) and the World Commission on Dams (WCD 2000; SEDNET 2004), however, do propose some components of sediment management, including sediment monitoring, minimizing the siltation process, removing accumulated deposits and catchment management programme.…”

“…There are some examples of successful utilization of dredged material as agricultural amendment. Fonseca et al. (1998), for example, studied sediment reuse in the Portuguese Maranhão and Monte Nova reservoirs.…”

“…There are some examples of successful utilization of dredged material as agricultural amendment. Fonseca et al (1998), for example, studied sediment reuse in the Portuguese Maranhão and Monte Nova reservoirs. Canet et al (2003) reported an increased water retention and cationic exchange capacities of sandy soils after mixing it in pot experiences with sediments from Albufera Lake in eastern Spain.…”

Land reclamation using reservoir sediments in Tigray, northern Ethiopia

“…, 2004, 2006). A study by Fonseca et al. (1998) in southern Portugal indicates that reservoir sediments may contain high levels of total, exchangeable and soluble nutrients.…”

“…Also, sediment-bound nutrients accumulate in the reservoirs (Haregeweyn et al, 2006;Tamene et al, 2006) because of massive soil erosion (Nyssen et al, 2004(Nyssen et al, , 2006. A study by Fonseca et al (1998) in southern Portugal indicates that reservoir sediments may contain high levels of total, exchangeable and soluble nutrients. In northern Ethiopia, Girmay et al (2009) report that organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N tot ), available P (P av ), and exchangeable cations were higher in reservoir sediments than in the soils of the catchment.…”