Soil water dynamics affected by micro rainwater harvesting structures in Jordanian Badia restoration context

Abstract

The objective of this study was to model and analyze the influence Vallerani rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures have on the soil moisture dynamics in the Jordanian Badia and to test viability of these structures when influenced by climate change. HYDRUS-2D was used for the modelling. A three-month fieldwork was performed to set up and calibrate the model. The results show that most of the soil moisture is located underneath the furrow of the Vallerani RWH structures. The impact on water availability is positive, almost halving the period of water stress. Climate change will have a big impact on the water availability provided by the Vallerani RWH structures. The most important factor of climate change on the viability of the Vallerani RWH structures is the rainfall intensity.