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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 4835 - 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 , Literature Review on the Rainwater Harvesting Research Landscape, In-Situ and Domestic Design Examples and Best Practice Projects in China and Brazil(2017-12); Only around one per cent of water is currently easily accessible for human needs. This has encouraged a search for solutions to fight local scarcity. One proposed answer is the collection of rainfall through Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) methods. The process consists of collection, storage and local use of rainwater. RWH systems can be sub-categorised based on the catchment size, runoff transfer distance, source of water, mode of storage, mode of usage and other details. An integral part of human settlements and farming for thousands of years, RWH methods present a number of benefits if suitably applied, namely, diversification with better yields that can increase income, create a number of jobs, reduce poverty, promote sustainable forms of agriculture, mitigate climate change and spread yearround vegetation cover as an erosion precaution. However, the benefits of these systems come with certain challenges: most notably the provision of a high quality and sufficient quantity of water with feasible measures. In this paper, challenges have been divided into technical and quality issues, legislative, economical aspects and lack of awareness. In order to help tackle the above mentioned challenges, as well as to promote and scale-up the usage of RWH systems, best practice examples from the Gansu Province case in China and the north-eastern region of Brazil are presented.Publicationtype: Journal Article129 - 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 8705 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , A Review of Land-Based Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Micro and Macro-CatchmentsIn arid and semi-arid regions of the world, water is the limiting factor for food production; especially in areas where rain-fed agriculture dominates. Rainwater harvesting systems have the potential to provide a sustainable source of water, while helping to achieve food security and combat soil erosion and flood hazards, simultaneously, if designed correctly. Therefore, land-based rainwater harvesting systems are able to increase crop yields significantly. A variety of techniques for micro and macro-catchment rainwater harvesting schemes are reviewed, with emphasis on design factors which will ensure a functional system. However, in spite of the potential to increase agricultural productivity with the help of micro and macro-catchment rainwater harvesting, and thus food availability, the implementation of these techniques is not as widely distributed amongst farmers as it could be.Publicationtype: Journal Article152