The Effects of Micro Catchment Runoff Harvesting System on Soil Moisture Enhancement

Rainfall harvesting and storage in soil depth through micro catchment contribute to curtail water deficiency of plants. The objective of this research that was conducted in Kaboodeh-Olya village in Kermanshah province, Iran, was to compare the effects of three different micro catchment systems on soil moisture storage including flat, crescent and rhombus shaped. The experimental research was performed at the completely randomized factorial that was conducted in a 20% hill shoulder with 20% slope and northern direction. Micro catchments shapes mulched by compacted soil with crop residue, plastic under gravel and surface soil (control treatment). Soil moisture in three soil depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm) were measured two times a month after rainfall occurrence using TDR. The data statistically ware analyzed through SPSS software. Results showed that micro catchment shapes alone did not significant affects on runoff harvesting and consequently soil moisture storage, while the treatments of mulches were effective on runoff harvesting in to soil. Thus plastic under gravel mulch was contributed in 92% rainfall harvesting as the possible treatment (micro catchment) for maximum moisture storage, even little rainfall occurrence during dry season. It is concluded that the micro-catchments, especially plastic with pebble can be considered as the suitable methods for combat drought stress during dry season.