Investigating the role of rainwater catchment systems in the development of hazelnut orchards on sloping lands

The development of hazelnut orchards in sloping lands by changing the cultivation pattern and establishing permanent vegetation is of special importance. Considering the potential of lands in the Eshkorat region of Rudsar city and hazelnut adaptation in this region, the use of rainwater catchment systems can play an important role in maintaining the genetic diversity of this product and prevent soil erosion with the help of local knowledge of gardeners in the region. The examination of the provincial section of the products in the Garden Development Project on the sloping lands of Gilan Province shows that 9981 hectares will be cultivated with hazelnuts in the Sixth Development Plan. Therefore, with the proper use of surface runoff and green water to increase productivity in these orchards, along with the proper production of hazelnuts, water, and soil conservation will also be granted. In this article, some methods of using rainwater catchment systems based on the indigenous knowledge of gardeners have been introduced to provide green water and increase soil moisture in hazelnut orchards in the Eshkorat region of Rudsar city. Also, due to the water needs of hazelnuts and to overcome the water shortage crisis during the vegetative growth period of this product, especially in July and August the role of rainwater catchment systems in the development of hazelnut orchards in sloping lands has been studied.