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Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 6(2020-12); ; The RUVIVAL Publication Series is a compilation of literature reviews or introductory texts on topics concerned with the revitalisation of rural areas. It is part of the e-learning project RUVIVAL and is connected to further interactive multimedia material, which can be reached under www.hoou.de. The literature review in this volume gives you an overview on sand storage dams and most recent research on the topic. A sand storage dam is a type of groundwater dam, a rainwater harvesting technique consisting of both an impermeable structure built across sandy riverbeds in seasonal streams and a crest raised above the riverbed. These have the potential to increase the water storage capacity and the yield potential of seasonal sandy rivers by trapping coarse sediments coming from the upstream catchment area in the dam. The optimal performance of a sand storage dam depends strongly on the proper selection of a suitable siting place, a tailor-made spillway design, which minimises the risk of siltation and appropriate construction procedures. While water in sand storage dams is of good quality, this can be affected during abstraction, transportation or storage.Publicationtype: Journal Issue270 389 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , An Introduction to the Global Soil Status(2019-09); During the last decades, the total area of arable land decreased worldwide, mainly due to unsuitable land usage related to agricultural practices. The Third Agricultural Revolution and growing food de-mands have put critical stress on agricultural land, resulting in serious soil degradation. As a result of modern agricultural practices, both chemical and physical degradation of soil can occur. An inter-related factor contributing to the loss of arable land is erosion, which is a naturally occurring pro-cess, but can be accelerated by human activities. This paper reviews research conducted on the soil situation in these six continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Australia, and therefore provides a global overview. Geographically specific causes for soil loss are also given. Soil management and monitoring systems are recommended; however, it should be noted that each system needs to be adapted to its specific environment.Publicationtype: Journal Article103 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Rainwater Harvesting Methods – A Review(2019-09); Over centuries, people in diverse geographical regions relied on rainwater and developed techniques to harvest it, creating a wealth of indigenous knowledge. This paper introduces both traditional eco-logical knowledge and indigenous knowledge and provides an overview of some traditional rainwa-ter harvesting (RWH) methods. These are divided into two categories: micro-catchment methods andmacro-catchment and floodwater methods. Bamboo drip irrigation and rice-fish farming in India are reviewed as case studies. In order to prevent and even reverse environmental degradation, it is important to develop holistic and sustainable strategies. For this, it is vital to learn from what local people already know and practice. There is an urgent need to identify and apply this knowledge for the planet’s benefit. These traditional RWH practices may be a little difficult to implement, but theycan provide water conservation solutions, especially in vulnerable regions.Publicationtype: Journal Article131 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , A Literature Review on Soil Erosion Quantification and Measurements(2019-09); Soil erosion is a geomorphological process caused by nature or human activities. It exists throughout the world and erosion rates are highly variable, depending on climatic and topographic conditions as well as local soil properties. Most commonly, soil erosion is associated with water (rain splash or runoff); however, wind, especially in arid and semi-arid regions can cause erosion, too. Many studies investigate the effects of soil conservation practices in different regions of the world, showing that there is no single principle applicable to all cases. In addition to tailoring soil conservation measures to the specific environment, some local agronomic measures may also prevent erosion. The applica-tion of vegetation cover increases soil moisture and organic matter content. This also improvesinfiltration rates of rainwater. Furthermore, the use of organic mulch proves to protect soil against water erosion and improve its physical properties. Whenever possible, agricultural practices should be combined with soil management strategies. Mechanical measures, such as windbreaks and ter-races, are rather expensive and are regarded as additional erosion prevention, but never as a stand-alone approach. There is a high need for governmental action to improve education about soil conservation and apply stronger policies regarding the sustainable use of land.Publicationtype: Journal Article225 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 5The RUVIVAL Publication Series is a compilation of literature reviews or introductory texts on topics concerned with the revitalisation of rural areas. It is part of the e-learning project RUVIVAL and each of the three contributions in this publication is connected to further interactive multimedia material, which can be reached under http://www.hoou.de. The first paper is an introduction to the global soil status, which in the past decades has continued to deteriorate. Globally, the total area of arable land has decreased, mainly due to unsuitable land usage related to agricultural practices. As a result of these practices, both chemical and physical degradation of soil can occur. An interrelated factor contributing to the loss of arable land is erosion, which is a naturally occurring process, but can be accelerated by human activities. This paper reviews research conducted on the soil situation in the six continents and therefore provides a global overview, including specific causes and soil management and monitoring practices. The second paper is a literature review on soil erosion and explains the mechanisms that cause it, both natural and human-induced. Most commonly, soil erosion is associated with water; however, it can also be caused by wind, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper presents different soil conservation practices from around the world, showing that there is no single principle applicable to all cases. In addition to tailoring soil conservation measures to the specific environment, some local agronomic measures may also prevent erosion and these are also described in the paper. Lastly, the state of the art of soil erosion control measures is presented. The third paper in this volume focuses on rainwater harvesting methods developed from traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous knowledge. These methods are divided into two categories: micro-catchment methods and macro-catchment and floodwater methods. Bamboo drip irrigation and rice-fish farming in India are reviewed as case studies.Publicationtype: Journal Issue955 4836 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 4RUVIVAL Publication Series is a compilation of literature reviews on topics concerned with the revitalisation of rural areas. RUVIVAL Publication Series is part of the e-learning project RUVIVAL and each of the two contributions in this publication is connected to further interactive multimedia material, which can be reached under www.hoou.de. The first literature review is concerned with energy access for sustainable rural development, with a focus on distributed renewable energy for rural electrification in Africa. Access to electricity is a key mechanism for the improvement of living standards and community services such as healthcare and education, for the reduction of poverty and enhancement of gender justice. However, in 2016, 14 % of the world’s population still lived without electricity, mostly located in rural areas of economically poor areas. Off-grid and mini-grid systems are summarised under the term ‘distributed energy systems’ or ‘decentralised energy systems’ and provide a fast and cost efficient method for rural electrification. Applicable technologies include solar photovoltaics, wind power, small hydro power and energy from residual biomass. Those small-scale renewable energy systems offer significant reductions in fossil fuel combustion and entailed emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper reviews distributed renewable energy systems and concentrates on energy services for electricity generation in rural Africa. The second literature review deals with integrated decentralised wastewater treatment for rural areas with focus on resource recovery. The most appropriate and sustainable solution for wastewater management in any setting is the one that is economically, environmentally, and technically sound, as well as socially acceptable for the specific community. Centralised wastewater collection and treatment systems are found to be resource intensive and complex, especially for low density population regions with dispersed households. Alternatively, the approach of decentralised wastewater treatment appears as a sustainable and logical solution to address issues related to rural wastewater management. This paper presents a review of the advantages and limitations of various centralised and decentralised approaches to wastewater treatment and management. A sustainable solution to wastewater management in rural areas based on the concept of ecological sanitation, with focus on water and nutrients recovery is presented.Publicationtype: Journal Issue1385 2774 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Energy Access for Sustainable Rural Development: Literature Review on Distributed Renewable Energy for Rural Electrification in Africa(2019-04); ; Access to electricity is a key mechanism for the improvement of living standards and community ser-vices such as healthcare and education, for the reduction of poverty and enhancement of gender jus-tice. However, in 2016, 14 % of the world’s population still lived without electricity, mostly located in rural areas of economically poor areas. Off-grid and mini-grid systems are summarised under the term ‘distributed energy systems’ or ‘decentralised energy systems’ and provide a fast and cost-efficient method for rural electrification. Applicable technologies include solar photovoltaics, wind power, small hydropower and energy from residual biomass. Those small-scale renewable energy systems offer significant reductions in fossil fuel combustion and entailed emissions of greenhouse gases. This paper reviews distributed renewable energy systems and concentrates on energy services for electricity generation in rural Africa. Whereas political uncertainty and a lack of access to investment capital are major barriers for implementing these services, the systems’ contribution to energy security, their flexibility, affordability, modularity and environmental sustainability are driving forces for their expansion. Investment and payback times are often very much lower than those of large-scale centralised systems with their highly expensive and vulnerable networks.Publicationtype: Journal Article157 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Integrated Decentralised Wastewater Treatment for Rural Areas with a Focus on Resource Recovery(2019-04); The most appropriate and sustainable solution for wastewater management in any setting is eco-nomically, environmentally, and technically sound, as well as socially acceptable for the specific community. Centralised wastewater collection and treatment systems are criticised for being re-source intensive and technically too complex, especially for sparsely populated regions with dis-persed settlements. Alternatively, the approach of decentralised wastewater treatment appears as a sustainable solution to address these issues related to rural wastewater management. This paper presents a review of the advantages and limitations of various centralised and decentralised ap-proaches to wastewater treatment and management in rural settings. A sustainable solution to wastewater management in rural areas based on the concept of ecological sanitation, with focus on water and nutrients recovery is presented. Based on research and case studies, the potential of an integrated decentralised wastewater system for rural areas is examined from a technical, economic and environmental viewpoint.Publicationtype: Journal Article113 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Literature Review on Water Efficiency in Agriculture: Sustainable Irrigation Methods(2018-01); Irrigation has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years. Irrigation systems and methods developed throughout history, but improvements are still needed, especially with regard to water efficiency. As water scarcity and the depletion of water resources increase, so do the water demands. The world population relies on irrigation for food production and therefore it is critical to reduce the pressure on freshwater bodies, while maintaining crop productivity. Irrigation management has varying effects on different stakeholders according to ample components affecting the irrigation management scheme, such as: soil type, climate, water availability, crop type and socio-economical influences in an area. One technique may be beneficial for short-term purposes, but cause negative consequences in the long run – this must be taken into consideration before implementation. There is no one way approach towards water efficiency. This paper will discuss the responses, methods, policies and proposed and practiced alternatives, as well as the corresponding difficulties and limitations, to increase water efficiency in agricultural irrigation.Publicationtype: Journal Article127 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 3RUVIVAL Publication Series is a compilation of literature reviews on topics concerned with the revitalisation of rural areas. RUVIVAL Publication Series is part of the e-learning project RUVIVAL and each of the three contributions in this publication is connected to further interactive multimedia material, which can be reached under http://www.hoou.de. The first literature review is concerned with urine utilisation as a fertiliser in agriculture. Urine contains four important nutrients for plant growth: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) and its use as fertiliser can not only recover these nutrients, but also reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and freshwater, as well as minimise the wastewater and excreta contamination of surface and open waters. However, if not managed properly, the risk of pathogen transmission, soil salinisation and pharmaceutical contamination, as well as strong and offensive odour, can cause significant health problems and discomfort. The second literature review introduces a biowaste/sanitation system from a highly advanced ancient culture, Terra Preta Sanitation. TPS shows great potential for soil building and nutrient recycling from excreta. Lactic acid fermentation (LAF) and vermicomposting as sanitisation options are examined in more detail. This literature review gives an overview of the current state of research conducted at the Institute for Wastewater Management and Water Protection (AWW) at the Hamburg University of Technology. The third literature review paper discusses the responses, methods, policies and proposed and practiced alternatives, as well as the corresponding difficulties and limitations, to increase water efficiency in agricultural irrigation. Irrigation management has varying effects on different stakeholders according to ample components affecting the irrigation management scheme, such as: soil type, climate, water availability, crop type and socio-economical influences in an area. One technique may be beneficial for short-term purposes, but cause negative consequences in the long run – this must be taken into consideration before implementation.Publicationtype: Journal Issue1106 3698