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Improving green water productivity in rainfed grape orchards through rainwater harvesting systems under on-farm conditions
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Ali Reza Tavakoli *    , Ahmad Asghari |
| Associate Professor, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran. ar.tavakoli@areeo.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (251 Views) |
| This study aimed to develop and evaluate a technical model for establishing rainfed grape orchards based on rainwater harvesting (green water) under local conditions. this method was designed as an alternative to prevailing practices, including annually rainfed wheat cultivation on sloping lands, which have contributed to soil degradation, erosion, and inefficient use of green water resources. The model sought to minimize soil disturbance, control erosion, enhance rainwater capture and storage, reduce evaporation losses, alleviate plant water stress, and improve green water productivity. A four-year field experiment was conducted from 2018-2021 in the Badranloo region (Mohammad-Ghaleh Village), Bojnourd County, North Khorasan Province, Iran, with the active participation of a local farmer. Two certified rainfed grape cultivars, Torkeman-4 and Rashe, were compared with the traditional local cultivar, Kolahdari. Climatic variables, including precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity, were analyzed using data from the nearest meteorological station. Mean annual rainfall during the study period was 188mm with a relatively favorable distribution. To address existing gaps in green water productivity and reduce non-beneficial water losses, an integrated rainwater harvesting package was implemented. The package included rainwater harvesting structures, contour trenching perpendicular to the slope, application of soil and plant mulches, mycorrhizal inoculation to enhance root establishment and formative pruning. Its performance was evaluated against traditional rainfed agriculture and existing vineyards in the region. Results showed a vine establishment rate exceeding 98%, while annual vegetative growth ranged from 40-150 cm, indicating successful establishment and adaptation under rainfed conditions. Significant differences in maximum vegetative growth were observed between the improved cultivars and the local control cultivar at the 1% probability level (p < 0.01). Although the study period was insufficient to evaluate full economic yield, the project achieved vigorous vegetative growth, successful summer pruning, absence of drought stress, implementation of the Faraz (Rosimi) training system, and improved farmer adoption of recommended orchard establishment practices. Green water productivity (GWP) was estimated at 221.4 and 336.2 thousand IRR m⁻³ for surrounding rainfed wheat and existing Kolahdari grape, respectively, highlighting the considerable potential for enhancing GWP through rainwater harvesting and improved orchard management. |
Article number: 1 |
| Keywords: Contour trenching perpendicular to slope, Evaporation, Rainfed grape, Rainwater harvesting system |
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Full-Text [PDF 2420 kb]
(28 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/01/25 | Revised: 2026/07/31 | Accepted: 2026/03/21 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/26 | ePublished: 2026/07/30
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