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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 |
| Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), |
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Abstract: (13 Views) |
| The aim of this research was to develop and present a technically sound model for establishing a rainfed grape orchard based on rainwater harvesting under existing local conditions, where improper orchard construction, annual plowing, and wheat cultivation on sloping lands have led to soil disturbance and erosion. The proposed model seeks to prevent soil manipulation, control erosion, reduce plant stress through rainwater harvesting and water storage, minimize evaporation losses, and ultimately improve green water productivity. This four-year field study was conducted in the Badranloo region of Bojnourd County, North Khorasan Province, with the participation of a local farmer. Two rainfed grape cultivars approved by the provincial research center (Torkeman-4 and Rashe), certified for health and authenticity, were compared with the conventional regional control cultivar (Kolahdari). Given the existing gaps in green water productivity and the inefficient use and loss of green water in the rainfed grape orchards of Badranloo, a comprehensive rainwater harvesting package was designed and evaluated. This package included rainwater harvesting structures, the use of improved and healthy grape cultivars, contour trenching perpendicular to the slope, application of soil and plant mulches, inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi to enhance root establishment, and formative pruning. The integrated package was compared with prevailing conditions, including traditional rainfed wheat cultivation and existing rainfed orchards. In addition to analyzing regional meteorological data (rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity), field observations were conducted to record water capture efficiency and vegetative growth rates. The results showed a water capture rate exceeding 98% and annual vegetative growth ranging from 40 to 150 cm, indicating successful establishment and adaptation. The farmer’s initiative in implementing the Faraz (Rosimi) training system further demonstrated satisfaction with the outcomes. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed between the improved cultivars and the conventional control cultivar in terms of maximum growth rate. Although the study period was insufficient to achieve full economic yield, the project resulted in favorable vegetative growth, successful summer green pruning, absence of summer drought stress, progress toward implementation of the Faraz (Rosimi) training system, and—most importantly—improved farmer behavior and adoption of standard-based orchard establishment practices. Comparison of rainfall productivity in regional rainfed wheat fields and existing rainfed grape orchards (Kolahdari cultivar) highlights substantial local capacity for enhancing green water productivity through proper orchard design, adherence to technical criteria, installation of rainwater harvesting systems, and evaporation control measures. |
Article number: 1 |
| Keywords: Rainwater harvesting, Green water productivity, Evaporation, Rainfed grape. |
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/01/25 | Revised: 2026/03/13 | Accepted: 2026/03/21 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/06/26
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