The Importance of Rainwater Harvesting and Its Usage Possibilities: Antalya Example (Turkey)

Abstract

The significance and effective use of water, one of the most basic requirements for sustaining vital activities, is gaining importance every day. Population growth and unprogrammed industrialization accelerate the consumption of available water resources. However, drought, as a result of climate change, poses a threat to water resources. Factors such as the exhaustibility of water resources, rapid population growth, unscheduled industrialization and drought increase the tendency towards alternative water resources. Rainwater harvesting is based on the principle of using the rainwater falling into the regions after it is stored. Water collected through rain harvesting can be utilized in many different areas, such as agricultural irrigation, landscape irrigation and domestic use. Among agricultural activities, the idea of water harvesting in greenhouse areas comes to the fore. Due to the gutters on the greenhouse roofs, water can be stored. In Antalya, which has about half of the greenhouses in Turkey, the amount of water in the rain harvest that can be obtained in greenhouses is 224,992,795.8 m3 per year. Monthly calculations throughout the year showed that the minimum water can be harvested in August (938,447.53 m3) and the maximum (54,771,210 m3) in December. Therefore, it is thought that some plant water consumption can be met by building sufficient storage in areas close to the greenhouse.

A GIS-based approach to determine the priority area for rainwater harvest in Kupang

“…Numerous studies have highlighted the advantages of RWHS implementation. Harvested rainwater can fulfill crop water demands in areas adjacent to greenhouses in Turkey [6], and it can curtail runoff by reducing the volume of water entering storm drainage systems, thus mitigating flood risks. Opting for RWHS in rural or urban communities where access to quality water is limited by scarcity and contamination brings benefits such as economic savings since rainwater is a free resource [7].…”

Pollutant Removal Efficiency in a Rainwater Treatment System in Roztocze National Park (Poland)

“…The advantages of rainwater collection systems have been discussed in detail by Morey et al [24], Yawalkar et al [25], and Ertop et al [26]. Those authors have noted that rainwater can be utilised (1) as an additional source of water where demand is high but water from other sources is scarce, (2) to protect water resources, (3) to reduce the consumption of surface and groundwater resources, (4) to produce safe drinking water in the process of purification, (5) for watering plants and landscaping, and (6) to reduce unproductive outflow of water through rivers into the seas and oceans; at the same time, rainwater utilisation systems are (6) simple, easy to maintain, and cheap to operate, (8) can be used anywhere, regardless of the terrain, geology, or land development pattern, (9) can be used on-site in households or public utility facilities, (10) can improve the water management system, and (11) can protect urban areas from flooding and reduce the severity of floods during heavy rainfall.…”

Determination of the Effect of a Thermal Curtain Used in a Greenhouse on the Indoor Climate and Energy Savings

“…Another solution is conducting agriculture in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, which provides alternative, suitable conditions for growing crops all year. Greenhouse farming is one of the most Energies 2023, 16, 7744 2 of 16 common approaches to creating favourable microclimates for plant growth. This costeffective cultivation strategy meets global food security and environmental sustainability criteria [7].…”

“…One method of reducing heating costs in horticultural agriculture is the development of renewable energy sources that can replace fossil fuels. In recent years, many studies have investigated rainwater use and the application of renewable energy sources to greenhouses [16]. Despite these efforts, it is currently difficult to provide sufficient energy for greenhouses with renewable energy sources that will replace traditional fossil fuels.…”