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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 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 2The RUVIVAL Publication Series is part of the e-learning project RUVIVAL. All topics of RUVIVAL Volume 2 are related and part of restoration engineering. Each contribution in this publication is connected to further interactive multimedia material, which can be reached under http://www.hoou.de. This volume consists of 3 literature review papers. The first reviews aquifer recharge, a hydrologic process in which water moves from surface water to groundwater. The recharge of an aquifer can be managed by facilitating natural infiltration processes and/or by the construction of structures that maintain recharge artificially. Several methods are available to enhance the recharge of an aquifer and are introduced in this paper. In addition, the potential of aquifer recharge in arid and semi-arid regions is discussed. The second paper introduces the concept of rainwater harvesting, the collection, storage, and local use of rainwater. Here, challenges and benefits of several rainwater harvesting methods and two best practice examples are introduced. Finally, the third paper goes deeper into the topic of land-based rainwater harvesting and ample techniques for micro and macro-catchments are reviewed.Publicationtype: Journal Issue1196 8707 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , RUVIVAL Publication Series Volume 1The RUVIVAL Publication Series is part of the open source learning project RUVIVAL. All topics of RUVIVAL Volume 1 are related on several levels and are part of restoration engineering. Each contribution in this publication is connected to further interactive multimedia material, which can be reached under http://www.hoou.de. The literature review papers are a collaboration of Master students, PhD students and researchers at the Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection (AWW) at Hamburg University of Technology. This volume consists of 3 literature review papers. The first reviews agroforestry, the practice of including trees or other woody perennial plants into agricultural systems, including crop and livestock production. It explains the challenges and benefits of this practice and provides an example of its implementation within the Slope Farming Project in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. The second paper introduces the concept of living terraces, which constitute a combination of erosion control measures on slopes. They are similar to contour hedgerows, but are constructed with the aim of accumulating soil on the uphill side of the tree row, so that in the long run, bench terraces are formed on their own. Their role as part of rainwater harvesting practices is explained in more depth in the paper. Finally, the third literature review provides insight into check dams, structures built across channels to reduce erosion by lowering water speed and accumulating sediments during floods. Check dams are often introduced in degraded areas and they represent one of the most used stabilisation measures worldwide, because of their relative simplicity and easy implementation. This paper also introduces a well-known case study in the Loess Plateau, China.Publicationtype: Journal Issue1386 3487 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Productive ponds as part of rainwater harvesting systems in the context of the slope farming project Arba Minch, EthiopiaRainwater harvesting systems are crucial for climate change adaption in climates with a pronounced dry season and especially under rainfed agricultural systems. Earthen storage ponds can be easily constructed in rural areas and expanded in their functionality to not only store water, but also to produce aquatic plants and animals. Particularly important plants in this context are Azolla spp. and duckweeds that are both among the most productive plants providing potential sources of animal fodder, bio-fertilizer and energy, while acting as biological control against malaria spreading mosquitoes by covering the pond surface and even reducing the evaporation rate of the pond. A variety of different aquatic plants can be grown inside productive ponds to provide a great variety of agricultural products, boost biodiversity of agricultural systems and contribute to more stable and more resilient ecosystems. The high biomass productivity of certain aquatic macrophytes enables an accelerated soil building rate by supplying bio-fertilizer and mulch to agricultural fields in amounts that are hardly achievable in soil-based environments.Publicationtype: Book1716 3582