Watershed Rehabilitation and Irrigation Improvement in Pakistan

Micro Catchment Based Water Harvesting (MCWH)

Frequently asked questions Can we use micro catchments to harvest rainwaters? How much water can be harvested/stored? How water loss can be reduced? Does weather has any impact on micro catchment design? How much it cost for micro catchment? Micro catchment based water harvesting (MCWH) It is an in-situ water harvesting technique, which can be used to harvest overland flows from smaller catchment around individual plant periphery. The harvested water is stored around plant by constructing ridges/bunds across mild sloping lands. This type of harvesting is possible for variety of topographical features (sloping terrains varies from 2 to > 30 %.) Components of MCWH The water harvested through this technique is dependent upon following two factors; 1. Catchment component:

This sloping terrain should be well compacted to promote run-off. The size of micro catchment, its slope and direction of slope should be carefully selected for efficient runoff production. Generally, catchment size varies from 20 to 100 m2.
2. Water storage component:

The water produced from micro catchments is stored around individual plant in storage component. Water stored should not submerge plant and also have no direct contact with plant stem. Maximum storage should be away from stem towards sloping side (near constructed ridge). This storage is achieved by constructing bunds/ridges (pure earthen, earthen-cum stone etc) across sloping land in periphery of plant.

Catchment Component Spillway/Excess Drainage Path

Storage Component
Sem

i Circ

ular Bund

Potential applications This technique can be potentially used for economic returns from the following; Supporting fruit plant growth (e.g. citrus, guava, olives, pears, peach, apple etc) Sustaining forest plantations (e.g. bohania, sukhchain, bakain, pine etc) Can be useful for small scale field crop production Types of MCWH system Rain falling over sloping surface around plants can be harvested through variety of means. However, choice for each technique depends upon many factors like followings; Topography Type of plantation Rainfall, slope, 1. Semi circular/eyebrows: These are generally well suited for topography having sufficient slopes to produce runoff (over 20% slopes). 2. Rectangular basins:
Semi circular micro catchment based water harvesting at Satrameel

These rectangular basins are potentially well suited in flat topographical locations to support orchards/fruit plants. If sufficient slope is not available, artificially slopes have to be maintained to promote the MCWH System . Proper care is required to avoid direct submergence and safe drainage of excess water from the basins.
Rectangular micro catchments for relatively flat lands

3.

V-shaped:

This type of MCWH system is also suitable for sloping surfaces. Potentially, plantation along road sides can be sustained through this technique

Why MCWH is required? Simplest but very efficient, if properly designed Low-tech and low input technology Easy to operate and maintain Can promote environmental amenity Can conserve top fertile soils and associated nutrients from catchments Material required and availability Soil (dugout from plant vicinity) Semi circular micro catchments at Fatehjang Low cost and usual farm equipment (spade, chisels, compaction hammer etc) Stones (if locally available) Labor All material required for construction of efficient MCWH system are mostly locally available. Cost of construction
The cost of construction varies with type, topography, plant type and locality. However semi circular and V-Shaped MCWH systems can be constructed between Rs. 15-20 for each plant. Once these micro catchments are constructed, these require little maintenance.

Small sized micro catchments for high density orchard at Satrameel

How local weather can affect the design? This established technology can sustain every weather condition. However weather needs to be considered for designing purpose to produce effective returns. For example, if local weather is dry (arid regions like south of Pakistan), the size of micro catchment and storage components both should be large enough to harvest sufficient rainwater. Where localized weather is wet (humid to sub humid regions like north of Pakistan), the corresponding size of both micro catchment and storage component can be reduced to avoid submergence. Guidelines for effective MCWH Regular maintenance is required throughout the year. However, before on set of rainy season, these must be rehabilitated Earthen bunds/ridges should be well compacted to avoid washed away or leakage. The storage component can be strengthened additionally by placement of stones, if available Size of storage component will increase as the plant growth. Generally, canopy of plant should be considered for size estimations Water loss from storage component can be decreased if mulching is introduced. Mulching can be done with crop residues or plastic sheets

How much water will they yield? Expected yield from MCWH systems depends on micro catchment size and storage size which varies with topography and plant type. Generally, semi circle and V-shaped micro catchments can harvest 20-70 liters of water per plant, while rectangular micro catchments can store from 150-400 liters of water per plant
Micro catchment reinforced with loose stone at Fatehjang

For more information regarding Micro catchment Based Water Harvesting Please Contact: Climate Change, Alternate Energy and Water Resources Institute (CAEWRI) National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad, Phone: 051-9255022, 9255395 E-mail: saleemwrri@gmail.com