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This is a sloping piece of land where a pit is made in the upper part of each olive tree to accumulate rainwater so that the plant can use it after it infiltrates. to the pit capacity is approximately 1000-2000 litres, refillable each time it rains.
The pits are aligned on the slope to collect the runoff from the higher pits.
Considering it is a rainfed farm, the main objective was to collect rainwater, accumulating it where it could be useful for the plant.
In addition, the other aim was to reduce soil loss through erosion, which is very frequent given the stormy nature of many of the rainfall events.
This plot has an average slope of around 15%, which prevents rainwater from being retained and filtered properly.
In addition, it is a clay soil, with a lower infiltration capacity than sandy soils, which increases its limitations to optimise water use in storm events (a lot of water in a short time).
In recent years many farmers had developed this initiative on their farms, and the observation of the beneficial effects convinced Helena to try it.
She contacted a service provider that was carrying out the pits in the area. The low investment required in comparison to the expected benefit made her decision.
To accumulate water where it is available to the plant, the pit needs to be excavated at the top or bottom of the slope next to the tree, in the shape of a crescent.
To reduce runoff, the pits should be aligned so that what overflows from the higher pits flows to those immediately below.
As they are built with the soil (the material is excavated and reinforced by the shovel in a crescent-shaped), the pits can be damaged.
The action of rainwater, as well as those derived from the fieldwork and harvesting can affect the structure of the pit.
This measure is very simple and does not require a deep knowledge; it requires control during the process to ensure the correct structure and the necessary capacity to contain enough water.
In the same way, the pits must be aligned to collect the water that overflows from the basins located uphill.
The investment required to build the pits is more than affordable (initial €1100 + €500 maintenance every 2 years).
In fact, the benefit obtained is exponential to this investment. Following this measure, yields have stabilised and have increased by 30% compared to the previous records.
Before the construction of the pits, and due to the slope of the plot, multiple gullies emerged every year, dividing the farm into multiple sections.
This meant loss of soil, difficulties in carrying out operations and the need for maintenance to solve the resulting problems.
Pits are obstacles to water, intended to slow down and accumulate water, but they are also a constraint to tillage and harvesting.
They are not recommended on all soils, on all slopes, and in all climatic conditions.
The investment required to build the pits is more than affordable (initial €1100 + €500 maintenance every 2 years).
In fact, the benefit obtained is exponential to this investment. Following this measure, yields have stabilised and have increased by 30% compared to the previous records.
Before the construction of the pits, and due to the slope of the plot, multiple gullies emerged every year, dividing the farm into multiple sections.
This meant loss of soil, difficulties in carrying out operations and the need for maintenance to solve the resulting problems.
Pits are obstacles to water, intended to slow down and accumulate water, but they are also a constraint to tillage and harvesting.
They are not recommended on all soils, on all slopes, and in all climatic conditions.
The high slope of 15% is a constraint but also an opportunity to build a system of chained pits.
Clays make it difficult for water to infiltrate in storm events but can retain moisture for a longer period.
This texture also makes it possible to build stronger and more compact pits than with other soil types.
The formation of gullies is another problem that needs to be addressed.
It is a system that has not yet reached too many people to know its benefits.
Other farmers prefer tillage or ground covers as a way of increasing rainwater retention and infiltration capacity.
It requires some planning.
The technique can be learned if the equipment is available on the farm.
Dissemination of the benefits may attract more farmers as a measure to be applied on their farms.
These measures ensure water retention and reduced runoff, which facilitates soil conservation.
In addition, the use of solid mineral fertilisers has significant efficiency gains. The carry-over of these fertilisers is reduced, with greater utilisation by the crop and less contamination of aquifers.
It is an extremely simple measure affordable for all farmers. Its low investment and the resulting economic benefits justify its increasing diffusion.
It is important to be aware of its limitations and to be clear about the design to ensure sufficient retention capacity.
AGRIWATER project has been funded with the support from the European Commission, with the reference number 2020-1-CZ01-KA204-078212. The content of this website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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