Groundwater Overexploitation Research Articles

Evaluating the differences in irrigation methods for winter wheat under limited irrigation quotas in the water-food-economy nexus in the North China Plain

Quantitatively evaluating the effects of multiple factors on the performance levels of different irrigation methods under a limited water supply in the water-food-economy nexus at the regional scale is of great significance; such evaluations can facilitate the selection of appropriate irrigation methods and schemes to reduce the contradiction between the water shortage and grain production circumstances. In this study, the distributed SWAP-WOFOST (Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant-WOrld FOod STudy) model was applied to a typical area of severe deep groundwater overexploitation in the North China Plain. This model was used to simulate various scenarios of sprinkler irrigation (SI) and limited surface irrigation (LSI) under the three limited irrigation quotas (i.e., 75 mm, 150 mm and 225 mm) and to further quantify the differences in crop yield, evapotranspiration and water productivity (WP) between the two irrigation methods by considering three rainfall levels and 66 soil texture profile (STP) types. Then, the impacts of irrigation methods on farmers’ net income were analyzed; the increasing extents of SI implementation scale and workday wage to improve farmers’ net income were estimated according to irrigation, rainfall and soil conditions. Under a specific limited irrigation quota, the yield and WP of winter wheat under LSI were greater than those under SI without fertigation in more than 92% of the 66 STP types under the three rainfall levels, with yield differences mainly in the range of 200–1600 kg hm−2 and WP differences mainly in the range of 0–0.5 kg m−3. In no more than five STP types (e.g., sandy or loamy sandy soil in the five layers), the yield and WP under LSI were lower than those under SI. Relative to the evapotranspiration under LSI, the evapotranspiration under SI did not show the same trend, while the ratio of transpiration to evapotranspiration under SI decreased in more than 98% of the STP types. For different irrigation quotas and rainfall levels, the farmers’ net incomes under SI were 374–1517 yuan hm−2 greater than those under LSI for up to five STP types, and they were 0–3000 yuan hm−2 lower than those under LSI for the other 92% of the STP types. When labor could be saved by more than 8 d hm−2 by improving the implementation scale of SI and the workday wage could increase to more than 100 yuan d−1, SI was recommended to obtain higher farmers’ net income in more STP types in the study area.

Assessing and comparing the sustainability of organic and conventional wheat farming in India: An indicator-based approach

Achieving agricultural sustainability requires a comprehensive assessment of economic, social, and environmental dynamics. This assessment must be supported by scientifically validated indicators that measure all aspects of the system. This study aims to assess and compare the indicator-based farm sustainability of wheat farming in Punjab, India, under two farming systems: conventional farming (CF) and organic farming (OF). This study is based on cross-sectional data collected through a primary survey of 348 wheat growers (143 organics and 205 conventional). A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to collect the data. Based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 2008 index construction methodology, a composite sustainability index (CSI), economic sustainability index (ESI), social sustainability index (SSI), and environmental sustainability index (EnSI) have been constructed. The study is motivated by the significant focus on wheat-rice monoculture in Punjab, which has led to declining agricultural growth, over-exploitation of groundwater, and excessive use of agro-chemicals, among other sustainability issues. The empirical results of CSI show that OF is more sustainable than CF in terms of environmental and social sustainability, whereas CF is economically more viable than OF. The study suggest that the government should adopt a balanced approach that encourages and promotes both farming systems simultaneously. To enhance the sustainability of CF, the focus should be on resource conservation technologies, farm practices and ensuring farmers’ well-being, while financial incentives, educational opportunities, and market expansion are crucial for making OF more sustainable.

Estimation of groundwater level and storage changes using innovative trend analysis (ITA), GRACE data, and google earth engine (GEE)

Groundwater is the supreme source of fresh water and the third-largest water resource around the world. But in recent decades, groundwater-related issues in Manbhum Singhbhum Plateau have been significantly increasing day by day. In this plateau region, overuse of groundwater and inappropriate irrigation has greatly harmed the ecosystem, triggering salinity, increasing contamination of groundwater. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the magnitude of groundwater storage changes and water table fluctuation in both pre and post-monsoon seasons in this plateau fringe. The principal objectives of this study are i) to investigate groundwater level changes in the last two decades using observed water level data and ii) to estimate groundwater storage changes using satellite-derived datasets in a hard rock terrain region of India. The Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) technique has been applied for its better visual interpretation and advantage in serial correlation than the traditional Mann-Kendell test. Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) gridded data have been processed to obtain a time series trend of mean Equivalent Water Thickness (EWT) and soil moisture has been estimated in Google Earth Engine (GEE). Therefore, soil moisture is subtracted from terrestrial water storage (TWS) to estimate the changes in groundwater storage (GWS) in this plateau fringe. ITA result indicates that approximately 40% and 67.5% of monitoring sites had seriously dropping tendencies of groundwater table in pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. Simultaneously, maximum groundwater storage (9.484 cm) occurred in Jul 2004 (wet months) whereas a minimum of −30.21 in March 2016 (dry months). Overall results indicate massive decline in groundwater table and groundwater storage. The main reasons for these alarming challenges are geological structure and excessive extraction of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. These research findings will help to further investigations and perform crucial well-organized management of water resources in this part of Manbhum-Singhbhum Plateau.

Rapid Urbanization Has Changed the Driving Factors of Groundwater Chemical Evolution in the Large Groundwater Depression Funnel Area of Northern China

With the rapid development of urbanization, the chemical evolution of groundwater has been significantly affected by human activities. However, the driving mechanisms of groundwater chemical evolution at different stages of urbanization are still unclear, which severely affects the implementation of groundwater protection. This study investigated the driving mechanisms of groundwater chemical evolution based on the long-term series (from 1985 to 2015) of hydrochemical data from 19 groundwater monitoring sites in rapidly urbanizing areas (Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China). The results show that the concentrations of various chemical components in groundwater gradually increase with the acceleration of the urbanization process, especially NO3−, which has increased from 13.7 mg/L in the primary stage of urbanization (PSU) to 65.1 mg/Lin the advanced stage of urbanization (ASU), exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard (50 mg/L), indicating that the groundwater chemistry has been significantly affected by human activities. The main hydrochemical types have changed from the HCO3•SO4-Ca•Mg-type water in the primary stage of urbanization (PSU) to the SO4•HCO3-Ca•Mg-type water in the advanced stage of urbanization (ASU). It is worth noting that there are obvious differences in driving factors of groundwater chemical evolution at different urbanization stages. In the primary stage of urbanization (PSU), the driving factors were carbonate and rock salt dissolution, cation exchange, and industrial activities. However, in the intermediate stage and advanced stage, the driving factors were changed to carbonate and gypsum dissolution, groundwater over-exploitation, agricultural fertilization, and domestic sewage. Based on the above conclusions, it is suggested that future groundwater management should control the amount of agricultural fertilizers, apply scientific fertilization, and prohibit the discharge of various types of non-compliant sewage, while strengthening the supervision of groundwater extraction to reduce the impact of urbanization development on the groundwater chemical evolution process.

Review Analysis of Irrigation and Application of Remote Sensing in the Lower Mekong River Basin

Irrigated agriculture is indispensable to the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB), which ensures food security and provides livelihoods for tens of millions of people. Irrigation, agricultural production, hydropower and aquatic ecosystem health are intertwined in LMB, so it is necessary to adopt a holistic approach to analyze irrigation problems. Here, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of LMB irrigation. Bibliometric analysis is carried out to determine the characteristics and patterns of watershed irrigation literature, such as the importance of authors, affiliated institutions, and their distribution in China. Based on bibliometric analysis, research topics are determined for thematic review. Firstly, we investigated the factors that directly affect the demand and supply of irrigation water and associated crop yield impacts. Secondly, we analyzed the influence of water availability, land use and climate change on agricultural irrigation. Thirdly, we analyzed the adverse effects of improper irrigation management on the environment, such as flow pattern change, ecosystem deterioration and land subsidence caused by groundwater overexploitation. Fourthly, the time–space mismatch between water supply and demand has brought serious challenges to the comprehensive water resources management in cross-border river basins. In each specific application area, we sorted out the technologies in which remote sensing technology is used. We hope that this review will contribute to in-depth research and decision analysis of remote sensing technology in agricultural irrigation.

Overexploitation assessment in an urban karst aquifer: The case of Sete Lagoas (MG), Brazil

Overexploitation of groundwater in urban karst aquifers can lead to negative consequences such as land subsidence, depletion of springs and lakes, and water pollution. It can also have indirect effects such as environmental, socio-economic, and political instability. In the municipality of Sete Lagoas, Brazil, the long-term effects of extensive groundwater extraction have been observed and studied over the years. This paper analyzes the response of the karst aquifer to urban, industrial, and climatological changes that may have contributed to changes in the aquifer over the last four decades. The results show that groundwater extraction has exceeded the average aquifer recharge since the year 2000. From the 1980s, the number of wells has steadily increased due to unplanned urban development, resulting in higher demand for groundwater. In the 2010s, pumping from tubular wells (7.39 × 107 m3/yr) exceeded the maximum recharge capacity of the aquifer (7.33 × 107 m3/yr). These wells are mainly concentrated in two areas: the central urban zone and the industrial sector. As a result, kilometer-long cones of depression have formed, changing the aquifer from confined to unconfined within these regions. According to the census data, about 67% of the wells remain unidentified. The average annual recharge to the aquifer is estimated to be 5.68 × 107 m3/yr, which accounts for 12% of the average annual rainfall in the region. Climatological trends indicate an incipient decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature, suggesting a potential decrease in future aquifer recharge. In addition, only 17% of the area has high infiltration rates ranging from 35% to 75%. The current situation in Sete Lagoas is one of overexploitation of groundwater resources, which could be mitigated by localized reduction of groundwater consumption and implementation of effective management strategies to increase aquifer recharge.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of water storage across Northwest China over the past four decades

Study regionThe Northwest inland basins of China (NWC). Study focusTerrestrial water resources, especially groundwater resources, are the main source of water for human activities and for maintaining the stability of the ecological environment in NWC. Excessive consumption of water resources will seriously affect the sustainable utilization of water resources and ecological security in this region. Therefore, it is urgent to clarify the long-term changes in water storage in this area in order to handle the pressure of future water resources and the natural environment. Using GRACE satellite datasets and global hydrological models (GHMs) products, this study analyzed spatiotemporal variations in terrestrial water storage anomalies (TWSA), groundwater storage anomalies (GWSA), soil moisture, snow water equivalent, and canopy interception combined anomalies (SSCA) in NWC through the application of the water balance, trend decomposition, and empirical orthogonal decomposition methods. Furthermore, the driving factors of water storage change and feasible water resource management strategies were discussed. New hydrological insights for the regionTWSA in the NWC has experienced a continuous decline over the past nearly 40 years, while SSCA has shown a weak increasing trend (0.03 cm yr-1). Since the availability of glacial retreat data (2003–2016), glacial water storage in the NWC has decreased by 0.09 cm per year, while TWSA, SSCA, and GWSA have changed at rates of − 0.25, 0.02, and − 0.18 cm yr-1, respectively. The North Tianshan Rivers Basin has become one of the areas with the most severe groundwater depletion in China. 2005–2010 was a turning period in the changes of TWSA, followed by widespread water loss across the NWC. Glacier and snow melt are the most important factors for the decline of TWSA in the Tianshan mountains area, and over-exploitation of groundwater by human activities is a secondary factor. For other regions, Groundwater losses remain the most significant contributor to TWSA losses. The massive loss of water storage in the Tianshan Mountains area, especially the accelerated retreat of glaciers, will affect the stable water supply to the middle and lower reaches of the oasis region, perhaps leading to increased groundwater extraction, which will threaten regional water security and sustainable development. Developing a water-saving society and implementing inter-basin water transfer are feasible ways to alleviate the water resource crisis. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of all inland rivers in China helps to facilitate horizontal comparisons between various basins, thereby providing more comprehensive insights of water storage fluctuations. The data on water storage changes, extending back to 1980, provide a longer-term perspective on water resource changes in the region, which can contribute to enhancing water resource security and ecological environmental protection.

Analysis of Aquifer‐System Deformation in the Doñana Natural Space (Spain) Using Unsupervised Cloud‐Computed InSAR Data and Wavelet Analysis

AbstractThis work is focused on the Almonte‐Marismas aquifer located within Doñana Natural Space (SW Spain); this aquifer is threatened by droughts, irrigation‐driven groundwater overexploitation, urban use, and the potential reactivation of gas extraction and storage projects. We present ground deformation measurements from Sentinel‐1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data ranging from 1 to 2.5 cm, covering ∼2,500 km2 from 2014 to 2020. Detecting spatially distributed ground deformation over this agricultural area is challenging due to the low‐coherence radar signals; consequently, the ground movement results are on the same order of magnitude as the errors associated with InSAR data. We have approached this issue by considering auxiliary information such as groundwater levels, climatic time series, and pumping rates and analyzing their spatio‐temporal connections to ground displacements. We correlate InSAR and hydrogeological information through wavelet analysis, developing a Python package that allows applying the same methodology in other similar study areas. For the first time in the Doñana area, a significant relationship between distances to pumping wells and the displacement extent is detected. Moreover, other subsidence‐related triggering factors are identified, such as the soil moisture balance, clay shrinking‐swelling processes, and creep of geological formations. These results are highly valuable to support aquifer management decisions in the Doñana Natural Space; in this border region, three groundwater bodies were officially declared overexploited in 2020. Our findings provide a ground motion baseline assessment to help differentiate historical variations from any future anthropogenic effect in this complex marsh land ecosystem.

Comprehensive evaluation of the effect of regional groundwater overexploitation restoration

Abstract The traditional groundwater overexploitation restoration only considers the impact on groundwater, on the basis of which, this paper also comprehensively considers the impact on economic society and the ecological environment. Based on analyzing the effect of groundwater overexploitation restoration on the groundwater–economic society–ecological environment (GESEE) system, an evaluation indicator system covering the GESEE system was constructed, an evaluation method for the effect of groundwater overexploitation restoration was established, and the effects were evaluated for Hebei Province, China, from 2014 to 2019. The results showed that the effect of groundwater overexploitation restoration in Hebei Province was obvious, and the grade of the groundwater overexploitation restoration effect improved from fair to good. The grade of the groundwater overexploitation restoration effect in most cities was improved to good. The measures that most affected the effect of groundwater overexploitation restoration in Hebei Province are strict control of extraction and reduction of consumption, while measures such as the replacement of water sources also play a significant role. An evaluation indicator system constructed in this paper can help to promote sophisticated effect evaluation of groundwater overexploitation restoration and improve the understanding and management of groundwater overexploitation restoration.

Occurrence, speciation, and controls on arsenic mobilization in the alluvial aquifer system of the Ghaghara basin, India.

High concentrations of arsenic (As) in groundwater are among the long-standing environmental problems on the planet. Due to adverse impacts on the human and aquatic system, characterization and quantification of individual inorganic As species are crucial in understanding the occurrence, environmental fate, behaviour, and toxicity in natural waters. This study presents As concentration and its speciation As(III) and As(V) data, including the interrelationship with other major and trace aqueous solutes from parts of the Ghaghara basin, India. More than half (57%) of the groundwater samples exhibited elevated As concentrations (> 10μg/L), whereas 67.4% of samples have higher As(III) values relative to As(V), signifying a potential risk of As(III) toxicity. The elevated concentration of As was associated with higher Fe, Mn, and HCO3-, especially in samples from shallow well depth. PHREEQC modeling demonstrates the presence of mineral phases such as hematite, goethite, rhodochrosite, etc. Therefore, it is inferred that the release of As from sediment particles into pore water via microbially mediated Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides, and As(V) reduction processes mainly control high As concentrations. The heavy metal pollution indices (HPI) and (HEI) values revealed heavy metal pollution in low-lying areas deposited by relatively younger sediments along the Ghaghara River. Large-scale agricultural practices, overexploitation of groundwater, and indiscriminate sewage disposal, in addition to geogenic factors, cannot be ruled out as potential contributors to As mobilization in the region. This study recommends conducting seasonal hydrogeochemical monitoring and investigating regional natural background levels of As, to precisely understand the controlling mechanistic pathways of As release.

Epidemiological evidence on drinking water salinity and blood pressure: a scoping review

In addition to diet, drinking water can be an important contributor to the total body burden of salts. Water salinity (defined as the amount of dissolved salts in a body of water) has been associated with adverse health effects. We mapped the current research on drinking water salinity and its effects on blood pressure (BP). We aimed to identify knowledge gaps in the methodology and tools used in the epidemiological literature to address water salinity effects on BP. We performed a scoping review of epidemiological studies by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases from 1980 to 2022. Reviews, study comparisons, meta-analyses, commentaries, viewpoints, correspondence, protocols, studies in clinical settings, animal or in vitro studies, or not in English, were excluded. Epidemiologic studies including systolic/diastolic BP and/or the risk of hypertension as the main health outcome and drinking water salts (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, including electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids) as the main exposures were included. After screening 246 articles, 29 articles were retained. Most studies were conducted in Bangladesh and USA (n = 9 and n = 9, respectively). The majority of studies were cross-sectional (n = 18; 62%). The study populations were adults (55%) or children (35%) or both (10%). Only eight (28%) studies did not collect urine samples and only three studies (10%) did not record participant BP. About half of the studies (n = 15, 52%) reported a positive significant (p < 0.05) association between salts in drinking water and higher BP and/or risk of hypertension; while 24% and 24% reported non-significant (p > 0.05) and significant (p < 0.05) negative associations (with lower BP mainly attributed to higher Mg, Ca, and K (rather than Na) levels in drinking water). More longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the impact of drinking water salinization on cardiovascular health and risk of hypertension. Under a changing climate, this may be particularly important for coastal populations, as sea level rise in combination with the overexploitation of groundwater would differentially perturb the salinity of their drinking water supplies.

Assessment of the sustainability of groundwater utilization and crop production under optimized irrigation strategies in the North China Plain under future climate change

Over-exploitation of groundwater due to intensive irrigation and anticipated climate change pose severe threats to the water and food security worldwide, particularly in the North China Plain (NCP). Limited irrigation has been recognized as an effective way to improve crop water productivity and slow the rapid decline of groundwater levels. Whether optimized limited irrigation strategies could achieve a balance between groundwater pumping and grain production in the NCP under future climate change deserves further study. In this study, an improved Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate climate change impacts on shallow groundwater levels and crop production under limited irrigation strategies to suggest optimal irrigation management practices under future climate conditions in the NCP. The simulations of eleven limited irrigation strategies for winter wheat with targeted irrigations at different growth stages and with irrigated or rainfed summer maize were compared with future business-as-usual management. Climate change impacts showed that mean wheat (maize) yield under adequate irrigation was expected to increase by 13.2% (4.9%) during the middle time period (2041–2070) and by 11.2% (4.6%) during the late time period (2071–2100) under three SSPs compared to the historical period (1971–2000). Mean decline rate of shallow groundwater level slowed by approximately 1 m a−1 during the entire future period (2041–2100) under three SSPs with a greater reduction for SSP5–8.5. The average contribution rate of future climate toward the balance of shallow groundwater pumping and replenishment was 62.9%. Based on the simulated crop yields and decline rate of shallow groundwater level under the future climate, the most appropriate limited irrigation was achieved by applying irrigation during the jointing stage of wheat with rainfed maize, which could achieve the groundwater recovery and sustainable food production.

Spatial analysis of groundwater quality in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: Geogenic and anthropogenic contributions

Over-exploitation of groundwater owing to urbanisation and industrialisation compromises its quality, spatially and temporally. The objective of this study was to analyse the spatial groundwater quality due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Eighty boreholes were mapped and sampled for selected water quality parameters. The groundwater quality parameters that were adopted in this study were the temperature, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, bicarbonate alkalinity, chloride, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulphates, chlorides, potassium, iron, nitrates, fluoride, phosphates, arsenic, aluminium, zinc, strontium, barium and manganese. Groundwater samples were evaluated for drinking water suitability as per the 2011 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Prediction of groundwater quality parameters at unsampled points was achieved by using the Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation method using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Population, land use and geological data were superimposed onto the groundwater quality to generate integrated maps. There were noticeable distinctions in groundwater quality within different geological areas, particularly for fluoride, arsenic, sodium, calcium, chloride and strontium, signifying natural groundwater contamination. High levels of nitrate were detected near agricultural areas and in medium to high-density residential areas suggesting possible contamination from nitrogenous fertilizers and leakages from wastewater infrastructure respectively. The application of GIS to spatially map water quality, can be used by hydrogeologists and local authorities in planning, monitoring and protecting groundwater resources.

Groundwater Potential Zone Delineation Using Multi-criteria Decision-making Approach: A Case Study

Over-exploitation of groundwater from coastal aquifers causes seawater intrusion and depletion of freshwater resources. As 40 percent of the world’s population live within 100 km of the coast. This will increase the demand for potable water in coastal aquifers. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the sources of fresh-groundwater potential and productivity in coastal aquifers. Nowadays, integrated studies based on geographic-information systems play a major role in groundwater-exploration studies. Thus, the current study was carried out with the objective to delineate groundwater potential in the Nambiyar river basin in Tamil Nadu's southeast coastal area, where groundwater is in a critical condition. In order to improve groundwater recharge, it is very important to identify possible recharge areas. A novel work of the integration of remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision-making approaches of analytical hierarchical-process methodologies (AHP) was used in the present study. A total of 11 thematic layers, such as slope, curvature, soil, roughness, topographic-wetness index, drainage density, land use/land cover, geology, geomorphology, lineament density and rainfall, were generated for delineating groundwater potential zones. All the thematic maps are weighted using AHP based on the attributes of the classes and the potential capacity of their water supply. The demarked region of groundwater potential was validated by comparing pre-monsoon and post-monsoon groundwater levels. The groundwater potential zone map was classified into five categories: very high, high, moderate, low and very low. Areas with very high and very low potentials are delineated only in very limited areas. 64% of the regions are covered under the moderate-potential zones. The low-and high-groundwater potential zones are delineated at 22% and 14%, respectively. KEYWORDS: GIS, Recharge areas, Groundwater potential, Nambiyar river basin, AHP

Evolution Characteristics of Rainfall and Runoff in the Upper Reaches of Zhang River Basin

It is of great significance to study and analyze the surface water resources and their change trend in the groundwater overexploitation area of the North China Plain, which is of great significance to solve the shortage of water resources in the groundwater overexploitation area of the North China Plain, promote the exploitation of groundwater, and realize the sustainable development of water resources. This paper takes Minyou Irrigation District of Handan City, a typical overexploitation area in the North China Plain, as an example. Based on the measured rainfall and runoff data from 1957 to 2020, the Mann–Kendall trend test, cumulative anomaly method, double cumulative curve method, and Morlet wavelet transform were used to analyze and predict the trend of water resources in the irrigation area and the individual contribution of climate change and human activities to runoff change. The results show that the annual rainfall and annual runoff in the irrigation area have a significant downward trend and significant cyclical changes throughout the study period. In 1977, the annual runoff showed a sudden change, and the average contribution rates of climate change and human activities to its change were 40.55% and 59.46%, respectively. In the future (2020–2035), runoff will remain stable and rainfall will show an increasing trend. The research results can provide scientific reference for the development, utilization, and rational allocation of surface water resources in the groundwater overexploitation area of the North China Plain.

Pond basin colonization by terrestrial vegetation indicates wetland deterioration

Abstract Efforts to conserve the pond network in the Doñana National Park are being threatened by groundwater overexploitation. The dramatic expansion of farming and tourism in nearby areas has caused a severe lowering of the water table, reducing pond hydroperiod length or even instigating pond desiccation. It is important to document the link between groundwater abstraction and pond deterioration with a view to decreasing human pressures on the park and preserving the pond network's singular biodiversity. Here, the gradual deterioration of one of the network's main ponds is described in detail by characterizing vegetation patterns within the pond's basin using orthophotos taken between 1956 and 2019. In the earliest images, the pond contained a wide central area of bare soil during its dry phase. This area was surrounded by reeds and had a line of Tamarix canariensis trees along its southern edge. Starting in 2000, the orthophotos showed the pond's gradual colonization by terrestrial vegetation. In tandem, pond hydroperiod decreased, as did the length of time the pond retained certain depths of water. In recent years, Tamarix trees finally fully invaded the pond's central area, which is surrounded by reeds and has scattered terrestrial bushes and pines. This invasion resulted from the pond's sparse inundation over recent decades, being the cover of trees related to the depth of groundwater, and is a clear sign of pond deterioration. More broadly, colonization by terrestrial vegetation has been observed in approximately 60% of the network's ponds. Colonization of temporary pond basins by terrestrial vegetation can be used as an indicator of deterioration and highlights the need for active restoration and management.

Water accounting in the Berrechid plain (Morocco): A process approach

AbstractWater scarcity is a growing challenge to the governance of water resources and to multiple water uses. Dealing with water scarcity requires a better‐shared understanding of water supply and demand dynamics on the part of the different stakeholders who contribute to and/or suffer the consequences of water scarcity. This study highlights the importance of establishing a water accounting system for groundwater management in the Berrechid plain (Morocco) and the conditions under which such accounting may help solve current water issues. The plain is under considerable water stress, and stakeholders are struggling to implement aquifer management plans to ensure groundwater sustainability. The study identified and quantified various components of the water balance and estimated annual groundwater overexploitation for the period 2001–2018 to be 32 million m3. Fractional analysis of the water balance showed that the reason for aquifer water stress was a rapid increase in irrigated land and current intensive agricultural and irrigation practices, which threaten both the sustainability of water resources and economic activities in the plain. To improve water governance, a system of water accounting is required that promotes responsible use and ensures that all stakeholders are answerable and accountable for their water consumption along with any actions that may affect water flows.

Conservation of Rain Water in Urban Area Using Ground Water Recharge

Abstract: Water scarcity is serious problem throughout the world for both urban &amp; rural community. As the world population increases, the demand increases for quality drinking water. Urbanization, industrial development &amp; increase in agricultural field &amp; production has resulted in overexploitation of groundwater &amp; surface water resources and resultant deterioration in water quality. The conventional water sources namely well, river and reservoirs, etc. are inadequate to fulfill water demand due to unbalanced rainfall. . Surface andgroundwater resources are being utilized faster than they can be recharged. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is an option that has been adopted in many areas of the world where conventional water supply systems have failed to meet people’s needs.It is a technique that has been used since antiquity. It is an environmentally sound solution to address issues brought forth by large projects utilizing centralized water management approaches. Water harvesting is the activity of direct collection of rainwater, which can be stored for direct use or can be recharged into the groundwater. Water harvesting is the collection of runoff for productive purposes. According to Kim et al. (2005), rainwater harvesting may be one of the best methods available to recovering the natural hydrologic cycle and enabling urban development to become sustainable. The harvesting of rainwater has the potential to assist in alleviating pressures on current water supplies and storm water drainage systems. Rainwater collection has the potential to impact many people in the world. As water harvesting is an ancient tradition and has been used for millennia in most dry lands of the world, many different techniques have been developed the aim of the present study is to use rainwater andthus taking close to the concept of nature conservation. In this study, the rain water harvesting (RWH) system is analyzed as an alternative source of water in Gwalior Town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India and the results were elated. By our calculation we have come to the conclusion that 108 days water can be stored for the entire city by the means of rain water harvesting method and that too only if we assume that only 70% of the water is being stored and remaining 30% of the water is getting wasted in the form of runoff. Even though, after this we are able to get 108 days of water for the entire city.

GROUNDWATER OVEREXPLOITATION OF THE CONTINENTAL INTERCALACRY AQUIFER. A CASE STUDY FROM GHARDAIA, ALGERIA

Since the late 1999, extensive groundwater extraction within the Sahara aquifer system has been investigated. In this study we analyze the overexploitation of the thermal groundwater stored in the Continental Intercalary aquifer in the Algerian province of Ghardaia. The Saharan aquifer system is recognized by a large number of over 8800 boreholes and springs, on which 3500 operate the Continental Intercalary series and 5300 operate the Terminal complex. This work describes the groundwater order problem of overexploitation and the flows that exploit this hydrothermal system to be identified and analyzed. We have negative impacts on groundwater in that region due to the practice of certain activities which directly affect the quantity causing the water level of the aquifer to be lowered. Using theoretical context, water quality status can be assessed and recommendations suggested. Results show that we have 387.86 million m3/yr of flow today which is determined 30 m drawdowns. Measures need to be taken until the effects of the appeal become irreversible and the legal system instruments need practical applicability to prevent this context from extending to other areas.

Irrigation Management Strategies to Increase Crop-Water Productivity and Grain Quality of Direct Seeded Rice in North West IGP: A Review

Due to its great productivity and profitability, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is farmed in alluvial irrigated tracts of northwest India. For half of the world's population as well as in our country, rice serves as the main source of calories. However, excessive groundwater use in rice farming has resulted in an alarming decline in water table, indicating overuse of groundwater. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate alternative, resource-conserving methods that can sustain rice production. Direct seeded rice presents a compelling option when the future of rice production is in jeopardy due to worldwide water constraint and rising labour costs. The oldest method of crop establishment in this regard, direct seeded rice (DSR), is becoming more and more well-liked constraints minimal input requirements. It has certain benefits, including labour savings, a reduction in water and manpower requirements, early crop maturity, cheap production costs, improved soil physical conditions for crops, a reduction in methane emissions, and greater options for being the best match in various cropping systems. For dry-seeded rice, management strategies that cut irrigation water use and boost crop-water production are needed. Some of the interventions in this respect include cultivars with short growing seasons, tillage, and irrigation scheduling. High crop-water productivity is ensured with optimal yields thanks to irrigation scheduling that aims to eliminate over- or under-irrigation. Tillage changes the edaphic environment of the soil, which impacts crop development. Because of their shallow root systems, rice plants are unable to use the water in the deeper layers of the soil. In order to increase the deep root growth of rice cultivars, deep tillage has become the preferable method. The present research evaluates irrigation management options to raise crop-water productivity and grain quality of DSR in northwest IGP based on the available evidence.