Reclamation of ancient agricultural terraces in the Negev Highlands; soil, archeological, hydrological, and topographical perspectives

Abstract

AbstractAncient terraced lands are considered badlands without profitable utilization except for urbanization. Nevertheless, this attitude prevents further agricultural utilization in addition to the loss of archaeological data. The study hypothesizes that the main influencing part in these systems is the retaining walls (RW). An analysis of their current influence on soil fertility, stability, and hydrology will indicate their adequate reclamation strategy. The objectives are to gather the influences and correlate them to the RW constructional state. In the Yeroham Hills, three parallel located terraced systems (one on the Wadi Shualim channel and the other, which is located on its banks) were studied. Their ancient agricultural utilization was dated, after in‐site excavations, to the Roman until early Islamic eras. Ten representative RWs were chosen, five from each terraced system. Their influences on the soil fertility, hydrology, and physical properties of the adjacent soil and 2 m ahead (the terrace) were studied. The finding indicates that the RW serves as a physical ecosystem engineer with positive influences on soil organic matter (0.5% higher content compared to the terrace) and land stability properties (maturated soil biocrust and higher aggregate stability). Comparison of the finding from both terraced irrigation systems, which differ in their conservation state, enables to determine the agricultural utilization and land stabilization after an adequate reclamation strategy, which is based on the RWs constructional parameters analyzed in‐site, and adaption to the current floodwater paths. The study's principles and analysis scheme enable the study and conservation of similar areas worldwide for increased utilization and profitability.