Using Floodwater for Artificial Recharge and Spate Irrigation

Floodwater harvesting (FWH) for artificial recharge of groundwater (ARG) and spate irrigation (SI) is the most widely practiced large catchment water harvesting technique. It has recently received renewed attention for research, improvement, and implementation. This chapter first introduces an innovative, locally adaptive, and improved FWH technique—floodwater spreading systems (FWS)—to guide policymakers and practitioners in the management of groundwater (GW) resources and efficient rain-fed agriculture in water scarce countries. This is done by evaluating the effects of a large-scale FWH system on a local aquifer. The chapter assesses the contribution of FWH to GW recharge and improved agricultural yield by introducing SI technique through FWH. In line with the GW modeling and recharge estimation, a three-year field study to investigate improved rain-fed agricultural yield in a FWS system using the SI technique is explained. Barley was tested as an indicator plant for crop yield.