Use Of Rainwater Research Articles

Rain water use efficiency of sweet potato under cattle-cud mulches in Uyo, Nigeria

Rain Water Use Efficiency (RWUE) of sweet potato under cattle-cud mulches was investigated with the aim of identifying appropriate cattle-cud mulch rates for managing the fragile soils of the humid tropics to ensure sustained productivity of sweet potato. Experimental units measuring 9m2 each were used and sweet potato vines were planted at the spacing of 1 x 0.5m2. Cattle-cud mulches at rates of M0, M10, M20 and M30 tons ha-1 were administered to the different plots. Yield parameters of sweet potatoes as well as rainfall data for the period were collected. Data were assessed using the Analysis of Variance and correlation analyses were also performed to determine the relationships between soil and crop parameters. Results showed that RWUE of 2.38 from M30 plot was significantly higher than other treatments. This correlated with significantly (P<0.05) high tuber girth (19.0cm), tuber length (21.0cm), marketable size (32.33 cm) and number of tuber yield (60.50). Also, organic matter content of the soil receiving M10 (3.60%) and M20 (3.04%) cattle-cud mulches were significantly higher than M0 (2.96%). The use of cattle-cud as a mulch material significantly increased RWUE and also improved the yield and yield component of sweet potato.

Super absorbent polymers mitigate drought stress in corn (Zea mays L.) grown under rainfed conditions

Under climate change, the rainfall is predicted to become more intense and less frequent, causing summer drought events and rainwater loss by deep percolation, resulting in both inefficient use of rainwater and yield reduction. Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) have been studied as soil amendments in arid and semi-arid environments, but little is known about potential use for drought stress mitigation in humid subtropical climates under rainfed conditions. This study investigated the potential of three K-based SAPs (Stockosorb 660, Hydrosource and SuperAB A200) to act as water reservoirs during periods of drought. In the laboratory, SAPs mixed with sandy soil were tested for water absorption capacity (WAC) and re-swelling capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), water holding capacity (WHC) and storage of simulated rainfall. SAPs showed high WAC, re-swelling capacity, reduced Ks and increased soil WHC with performance dependent more on SAPs concentration than SAPs type. The three SAPs effectively reduced rainwater transport and increased soil water storage during simulated rainfall. In North Carolina, USA, an outdoor pot study with corn in loamy sand soil under rainfed conditions tested the effects of the three SAPs at three concentrations (0.15%, 0.30% and 0.45% w/w) on rainwater transport/storage, biomass production, and biomass rainwater productivity (WPbiomass). Under field conditions, 41.76% of rainwater was percolated in the absence of SAPs while in SAPs-amended soil (0.45% w/w) only 4.8%, 5.5% and 6.02% was lost by percolation, for Stockosorb 660, Hydrosource and SuperAB A200, respectively. The retained rainwater resulted in higher leaf water potential leading to enhanced plant growth and WPbiomass. Stockosorb 660 performed best in terms of rainwater saving, while Hydrosource was the most effective in terms of plant growth and WPbiomass. The results suggest that SAPs soil amendment is a potential approach to mitigate drought stress under rainfed conditions in humid subtropical climates.

The Effects of Harvested Rainwater on the Performance and Some Slaughter Parameters of Broilers

This study was organized to examine the effects of the use of rainwater lost from roofs as the water source for broilers on the performance and some of the basic carcass and meat quality parameters.
 In the research, day old 96 Ross 308 broiler chicks were used. In the experiment, the birds were separated to two treatment groups and the birds given rainwater were distributed to 4 pens and the birds given under-ground water were kept in other 4 pens in the research house. Performance criteria were analyzed from birds with mixed gender, where the carcass and meat quality parameters were analyzed from the data obtained from male broilers.
 According to the findings obtained from the research, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of feed consumption, water consumption, live weight, live weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Also, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of carcass characteristics, edible internal organs and meat pH as well.
 According to the results of the experiment, it can be stated that rainwater can be used as a substitute for under-ground water and causes no change in terms of performance and carcass characteristics. It is thought that organizing detailed studies including economics and animal health will be positive in terms of academic knowledge and industry soon.

Rainwater treatment using an acrylic blanket as a filtering media

Rainwater harvest is a desirable alternative clean technology where water is scarce, but the economic viability of its implementation is reduced by the need to install pumps and pipes. The type of filter bed and the frequency of filter changes can increase costs, compromise the quality of the water obtained by this treatment and increase the environmental impacts. This study focuses on a system for collecting and treating rainwater that is compact, innovative, dispenses with the use of pumps, and can be adapted for use in homes and industries, contributing to clean production. An acrylic blanket (Acrylon) was used as a filtering medium because it is a low-cost alternative and is easy to obtain and handle. The experiment was carried out in a company located in the industrial city of Itaboraí (Rio de Janeiro). Water characterization was monitored before and after contact with the roof, and after passing through the treatment equipment (11 rain events). Samples were collected in triplicate; the first sample was collected within 10 min of the onset of rain (first flush), the second after 15–30 min of rain, and the third after 30 min of rain. The second and third samples were used to generate a “continuous” sample. The evaluated parameters were turbidity, apparent color, hydrogenionic potential, temperature, free residual chlorine, and the presence of coliforms (total and tolerant). The apparent color removal efficiency was 81.70% for first flush and 49.54% for continuous samples, and the turbidity removal efficiency was 74.28% and 52.19%, respectively. These removal efficiency results are similar to those achieved by traditional rainwater treatment systems that do not discard the first flush. It was found that the treatment met the requirements of the Brazilian standard for the use of rainwater based on turbidity (less restrictive standard), residual chlorine, and absence of coliforms, but did not meet the requirements for hydrogen potential and color removal.

Study of the potential use of rainwater as clean water with simple media gravity filters: A review

Clean water plays an essential role in all living things. However, the availability of clean water in Indonesia is insufficient to fulfill the total need for clean water, especially during the dry season. One of the alternative sources of clean water is rainwater. This study aims to understand the characteristics of rainwater in Indonesia as well as the effect of the variations of type, arrangement, and thickness of the simple filter media on the rainwater in Indonesia. A literature study from several studies is conducted regarding the use of rainwater as clean water with filters made from simple media to improve clean water by utilizing gravity filtration technology. The key descriptors used in this review include “rainwater filtration”, “filtration”, “rainwater harvesting” and “media filtration”. The quality standard used in this study is based on the Ministry of Health Regulation No.416/Menkes/Per/IV/1990. Based on the literature, simple filtration technology can significantly reduce some parameters value where the value of efficiency is more than 50% for parameter turbidity, TDS, Pb, arsenic, total coliform, hardness and nitrate. However, it has not been able to reduce the parameter of sulfate, nitrite, chloride, magnesium significantly. The review shows that the filter medium that is effective and easily accessible are gravel, zeolite, activated carbon, sand, cotton, sponges with a total media thickness of 20 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, and 105 cm and the time required to perform the filtration is about 10-15 minutes.

Water Quality and Financial Analysis of a System Combining Rainwater and Greywater in a House

This study aimed to evaluate the installation of a system that combines rainwater to wash clothes and greywater to flush toilets in a house located in Florianópolis, southern Brazil. The evaluation consisted of determining the potable water savings, performing a financial analysis, and verifying the possibility of using rainwater and reusing greywater according to the local legislation. The reduction in potable water consumption was determined by comparing the monthly water and sewage bill, before and after installing the system, combining rainwater and greywater. The financial analysis was performed considering the financial benefits, operational costs, costs for installing the system, and local water tariffs. After installing the system, there was a decrease of 38.0% in the monthly potable water consumption, which represents a decrease of 7.00 m3 in the monthly potable water consumption. The payback periods for the old and new water tariffs were equivalent to, respectively, ten years and seven months, and eight years and five months. Both rainwater and greywater had parameters with concentrations higher than the limits established by the legislation. Therefore, the rainwater had to go through a device for discarding the first flush and needed disinfection; and the greywater needed to go through a treatment process. The results indicated that the system combining rainwater and greywater shows significant potential for potable water savings, which can be a good alternative to the preservation of potable water resources. It is important to note that current studies on rainwater use and greywater reuse are mainly related to non-potable purposes, but it was shown herein that rainwater can be used for washing clothes.

Challenges of Water Sensitive Cities in Mexico: The Case of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara

Mexico is currently facing important water management challenges. Cities in the country are facing water scarcity and at the same time they struggle with floods during the raining season. The water sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach has proved to be helpful around the world in tackling urban water challenges such as floods or water scarcity. The WSUD approach highlights the role of both the water cycle and the water utilities systems, when transitioning towards a water sensitive stage. Therefore, the objective of this research is to demonstrate the relevance for cities of a WSUD approach by analyzing the current situation of the water cycle and the water utility in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (MAG). This research proposes a case study approach. Within our case of study, we focused on the water cycle and the water utilities system (Sistema Intermunicipal de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (SIAPA)) and ask two questions: (1) What are the causes of water scarcity and flooding in the MAG? and (2) What are the proposals to solve these problems under a WSUD approach? By answering these questions, we identified that the water management in the MAG corresponds to a single purpose infrastructure. This type of water management is common in developing cities and does not contribute to solve the problems of water scarcity and floods. The water supply policy is based only on the construction of large dams disregarding the storage and use of rainwater, and reuse of greywater, and water-conservation devices. In order to transition towards a water sensitive stage, changes in the water policy need to take place and a WSUD approach that includes multi-purpose infrastructure, should be considered.

Potential for Potable Water Savings Due to Rainwater Use in a Precast Concrete Factory

The objective of this paper was to assess the potential for potable water savings due to rainwater use in a precast concrete factory in southern Brazil. The economic feasibility and the rainwater quality were also assessed. The current water consumption, future water demand, and rainwater demand in the factory were estimated. The future demand considered was two times higher than the current water consumption since there were plans to increase the production. Three scenarios were then simulated using the computer programme Netuno. The ideal rainwater tank capacity, the potential for potable water savings, and the economic feasibility analysis for each scenario were estimated. Samples of rainwater were collected in the factory and tested for quality for manufacturing precast concrete. For a rainwater tank capacity equal to 25,000 L, the potential for potable water savings for the first scenario was 55.4%, but the first scenario was considered economically unfeasible. For the same tank capacity, the second and third scenarios presented viable results regarding potable water savings and payback. As for the rainwater quality, it was proven to be adequate for manufacturing precast concrete. The main conclusion was that rainwater can be used to manufacture precast concrete in the factory studied herein.

Potential adaptation strategies for climate change impact among flood-prone fish farmers in climate hotspot Uganda

Climate-induced floods are increasing in Africa. The need to evolve framework for adaptation to climate change impact (CCI) among flood-prone fish farmers necessitated this study. Based on availability, 60 farming active flood-experienced fish farmers were purposively selected from flood-prone (Gulu and Kibuku) regions in climate hotspot Uganda. These were assessed for CCI adaptation tendencies in their socioeconomics and farming operation/techniques (FOI) indices, CCI awareness, CCI adaptation strategies, and perceived required interventions (RIs) using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive and multivariate regression tools. Respondents were mostly male, adults, educated, Christian, married, medium-sized family, social group members, 1–5 years’ experience, medium-sized farms, and government trained. Income was 1.0–6.0 million Ugx/year. In FOI, semi-intensive culture system, use of rainwater plus groundwater, small-sized (< 0.5 ha) ponds, ponds possession of inlets and outlets, seasonal farming and mixed culture/farming dominated. Most respondents were aware of CCI, while erratic rainfall with floods and prolonged drought mostly impacted farming. AS-Adaptation Strategy were changed stocking time and livelihood diversification. Communication technology and social group’s membership enhanced adaptation, while inadequate awareness constrains adaptation. Respondents’ RI(s) were tree planting, irrigation and pond perimeter trenching. Gender, government training, farm size, water sources and presence of inlet and outlets in ponds (FOI) predicted adaptation (R = 0.802, R2 = 0.64, P < 0.05). Some socioeconomic, technical and awareness indices could assist CCI flexibility. However, the statistically significant predictors of adaptation, identified adaptive strategies, constraints to adaptation and required interventions could be integrated into a framework for effective CCI adaptation for sustainable fish farming in flood-prone scenarios.

Health risk factors associated with housing habitability in high vulnerability areas in Bogotá, Colombia

To evaluate the habitability conditions of dwellings and their impact on human health in Mochuelo Bajo, sector in Bogota Colombia, within the framework of the Healthy Habitat project led by the Housing, Habitat and Social Innovation Center (CENVIS). A tool was developed for field data collection about socioeconomic and healthy conditions of housing units and families assigned to the project. After which, a quantitative analysis was performed in order to answer to the stablished objective. It was found through the tool application: a) inadequate supply, storage and management of drinking water, b) poor disposal of human excreta and solid household waste, c) poor management of rainwater use, d) inadequate coexistence with domestic and consumption animals, e) interior air pollution and f) self-construction systems with unsafe materials and without technical advice. In the Mochuelo Bajo sector there were found generalized shortcomings related to an inadequate supplying and usage of potable water, a wrong disposition of human excreta and of solid household waste. At the same time, there are shortcomings in terms of rainwater and coexistence with animals, both domestic and for consumption.

Assessment of rainwater harvesting and maintenance practice for better drinking water quality in rural areas

Abstract In many areas of the world, rainwater has been collected and consumed by people. Our research aims to assess the use of rainwater and the impact of operation and maintenance activities of the rainwater system on drinking water quality in rural areas where there is no access to a public drinking water system. Through the questionnaire, direct visits, interviews and sampling of water at surveyed households (HHs), it was found that 100 and 98% of surveyed HHs used rainwater for drinking and cooking, respectively. Nearly, 80% of them were aware of the necessity of frequent reservoir cleaning as well as first-flush removal. Cleaning the water reservoir had a significant impact on water quality, in particular the total dissolved solids (p-value &amp;lt; 0.05). The use of strainers and more frequency of cleaning the catchment roofs and gutters would make the lower turbidity in water. However, the use of strainers would reduce the dissolution of oxygen in the reservoirs. A recommendation on the frequency of maintaining the rainwater harvesting systems was proposed after assessment of the operation and maintenance behaviors at surveyed HHs.

RETRACTED: Computer simulation of urban garden landscape design based on FPGA and neural network

Digital Landscape is a combination of the system and the computer software and hardware system of a high simulation model. The author analyzes the application of computer simulation in landscape design and value analysis of a city garden. In the computer-aided design, the importance of digitizing information in the landscape design process, mainly human and the interaction of computer, is reflected in the digital model's creation and multimedia performance, becoming more and more evident. To form a two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial data, to realize real-time, statistical Analysis, using the human living environment, multi-dimensional, efficient, and humane, and environmental landscape plan to more rational and practical, used the computer simulation techniques. Effective use of urban rainwater, to reduce the flooding of urban areas, it is possible to alleviate the water crisis, the organic combination of rainwater can be used in the course of the construction of the urban landscape as well as make-up landscape, visual beautification has optimized the ecosystem, and from many rainwater utilization functions; These functions in landscape design, rainwater garden, It can be realized the rooftop garden, and the city's green. The construction and sustainable economy and the promotion of the ecological park's social development will positively sign. Suitable for rainwater regulation, water (recovery) is stored—Computer-Aided Design (CAD) green space. Technical measures save of suggestions for practical application of the square: innovation and new of space design, new artificial wetland system, and garden rainwater in the application of the regulation (population) storage system design of the water-saving of these to the sustainable development of such new square of rainwater adjustment (group) storage system design and urban landscape environment. It is useful for the application of technology.

A Review of Health Hazards Associated with Rainwater Harvested from Green, Conventional and Photovoltaic Rooftops

The world is experiencing a decrease in the volume of global freshwater. Most countries are faced with both freshwater and energy crises. For these reasons, countries are encouraging the use of renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic (PV) modules/panels. Regarding water, there is a need to enhance domestic rainwater harvesting process in informal (low-income) settlements and rural areas. However, because of the contamination, such harvested rainwater may pose a health hazard to its consumers in instances involving photovoltaic roofs. When photovoltaic modules degrade, cracks and delamination may occur in some of the modules. PV modules have the potential, therefore, of producing and leaching toxicants/metals into the rainwater harvested from such PV panels. At a certain degree of contamination water may become non-potable since it can cause a problem upon consumption. This challenge requires a detailed review investigation to reveal the actual effect of the continuous use of the rainwater as mentioned earlier and its possible solution. To achieve this, a review of what has been done in this area is presented and analysed. This study combines the effect of contamination of rainwater harvested from multiple roof types, such as conventional roof, green roof, integrated roof and PV roof of newly installed panels. This study is vital in the sense that while the health impact of a newly installed PV system can easily be controlled by merely avoiding the use of rainwater harvested during the infant stage of its installation, the same cannot be said of the later stage, as perpetual avoidance may be impossible.

Development of the Urban Water Balance Model by Linking Water Distribution and Sewer Networks

Due to urban overcrowding, the population density of residential areas and water use per unit are increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to study the flow of water supplied to cities and to improve the healthy circulation of urban water. This study used Modelica, a non-causal analytical program. Using Open Modelica, the researchers constructed a model linking water distribution and sewerage, as the basis of a balanced urban water model. Using the programmer's toolkit provided by EPA-NET and EPA-SWMM, which are commonly used to simulate the existing water supply and sewage pipe networks, Open Modelica-based water distribution networks and sewage pipe networks can be connected and simulated based on the customer block. A model was built so that 90% of the hourly water consumption supplied to the water supply pipe network can be automatically introduced into the sewage pipe network. If a matching table is constructed to connect the nodes of the water supply pipe network and the sewer pipe network, the nodes will reflect in the graphical user interface (GUI) developed in Open Modelica. It was developed to enable modification of links, pumps, tanks, and valves. The 48-hour water supply was simulated using the developed model, and it was confirmed that water supply and sewage networks were successfully connected. In the future, we plan to develop a more expanded and realistic urban water circulation model by considering additional urban water circulation factors, such as sewage treatment, water reuse, rainwater use, storm runoff, and low-impact development facilities. Through this study, it was confirmed that Modelica can simulate changes in the system over time. Since it is a formula-based non-causal simulation language, it is possible to establish and reuse relationships between blocks through block-by-block development of urban water circulation elements. It is expected to contribute to the visualization and concretization of future urban water circulation models.

Can ridge-furrow with film and straw mulching improve wheat-maize system productivity and maintain soil fertility on the Loess Plateau of China?

Ridge-furrow mulching patterns are beneficial to improve crop yields and rainwater use efficiency, but it is not clear whether they can improve productivity and simultaneously maintain soil fertility on the Loess Plateau of China. A three-year (2013–2016) field trial was conducted during the rotation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) – maize (Zea mays L.) to investigate the effects of ridge-furrow mulching patterns on soil moisture, soil fertility, grain yield, and water use efficiency (WUE). Four ridge-furrow planting patterns included: (1) white plastic film mulch over the ridge (RW), (2) straw mulch over the furrow (RS), (3) white plastic film mulch over the ridge and straw mulch over the furrow (RWS), and (4) black plastic film mulch over the ridge and straw mulch over the furrow (RBS). Flat planting without mulch was CK. The results showed that RW, RS, RWS, and RBS significantly improved soil water storage and aboveground biomass throughout each winter wheat and summer maize growing season compared with CK. Finally, winter wheat grain yield and WUE in the four mulching treatments markedly increased by 13.0–32.9% and 22.5–41.5% in a wet and cool season, 15.5–35.2% and 19.3–41.9% in a season with normal rainfall and temperatures, and 27.2–58.9% and 15.3–33.4% in a dry and warm season, respectively. Maize grain yield and WUE increased by 12.8–35.0% and 19.5–46.2% in a season with normal rainfall and temperature, 15.0–38.5% and 18.0–39.9% in a dry and cool season, and 17.4–50.5% and 13.0–42.5% in a dry and warm season, respectively. Among the four mulching treatments, RWS and RBS significantly improved the yield and WUE of wheat and maize relative to RW and RS over the three years. After three years, soil total nitrogen content in RWS and RBS was significantly greater than in RS. Besides, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and soil dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen contents in RWS and RBS were all markedly higher than in RW and RS. Our results indicated that RWS and RBS were a promising agricultural practice that improved crop production and simultaneously maintained soil fertility in a rain-fed semi-arid region of China.

STATE INNOVATION POLICY FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT IN CONSTRUCTION

The purpose of the paper is to determine the status and areas of improvement of state policy to support the development of green technologies in construction. Methodology. This review is based on the characteristics of individual areas of implementation of green technologies in construction. Possibilities of using renewable sources in the process of construction and operation of buildings are considered. It is established that different methods of energy production are used in energy efficient houses. These include photovoltaic solar panels, heat pumps, photothermal collectors, geothermal waters, mini hydroelectric power plants. It is emphasized that the energy consumption of such buildings should also be reduced; for the reason of special architectural design solutions, the energy-efficient materials with high thermal insulation properties are used. The peculiarities of the policy of stimulating the increase of energy efficiency of buildings in Ukraine are considered, the conclusion on its insufficient efficiency is given. The reason for ineffectiveness of the incentive policy is figured out. The directions for reduction of air and water pollution by filtration and use of rain and melt water for household needs are considered. It is established that the active implementation of innovation is impossible mainly due to obsolete housing and worn-out utilities. Eco-design is also used to increase energy efficiency in construction and architects must actively use passive and active methods of designing houses in different climatic conditions. Green construction also involves recycling of construction waste. Improving the environmental efficiency of buildings and structures involves the use of modern insulation materials, coatings. Currently, nanomaterials with unique properties are becoming widespread in construction. They have increased physical characteristics, in particular, accumulated thermal radiation, provided significant energy savings in winter and summer. The results of the study showed that the state regulatory policy (innovation policy, support of science and R&amp;D, technology transfer, price policy regulation, updating of technological regulations) has an extremely important role in stimulating the spread of green technologies in construction. Practical implications. The most important areas of public policy in construction are: the implementation of environmental energy and quality international standards for construction products; stimulating consumer demand for environmentally friendly innovative solutions, including through “green” public procurement, setting reasonable prices for energy resources, stimulating the implementation of a holistic concept of product life cycle; development of financial mechanisms to support the demand for cleaner technologies and innovations.

Water savings and reduction of costs through the use of a dual water supply system in a sports facility

In sustainable urban management, rainwater, greywater, and groundwater are increasingly being considered as alternative water sources where quality drinking water is not required for the water supply. Current technological solutions allow for the use of dual water supply systems in both private and public buildings. The latter, due to the potential to better manage an alternative water source in a sustainable manner, are recommended for larger scale use. In this article, the function of a dual water supply system operating in a sports facility, including the collection and use of rainwater for non-potable purposes, was evaluated on the basis of technical, quantitative and financial data. The analyses were performed to determine the facility’s water savings efficiency and cost reduction during period of 3 years. The results of the research prove that it is possible to manage rainwater for the benefit of the environment and achieve financial gain as a result of savings on charges for water from the municipal water supply and sewage disposal. While the findings of this study should encourage the use of rainwater in sports facilities, they also point to the need for properly designed of water storage tanks to maximise system efficiency.

Seasonal Herbaceous Structure and Biomass Production Response to Rainfall Reduction and Resting Period in the Semi-Arid Grassland Area of South Africa

Reduction in rainfall is amongst the major climate change manifestation phenomena, and will have a significant impact on grassland ecosystems. A split plot experimental design was used to investigate the interactive effect of rainfall reduction and resting period (RP) (70 and 90 days) on herbaceous biomass production and rainwater use efficiency in semi-arid grasslands of South Africa. Different levels of rainfall reduction (RD) were setup as main plot treatments while resting periods were set as sub-plot treatments. Four 0.5 m × 0.5 m quadrats were harvested in spring, summer and autumn of 2016/17 and 2017/18 from each sub-plot to determine herbaceous species structure, aboveground biomass production and rainwater use efficiency (RUE). Grasses were most affected by rainfall reduction than forbs at the 30% and 60% RD levels. In contrast, the forbs were more affected at 15% RD while the grasses showed resilience up to 15% reduction in rainfall. The RUE was higher at 30% RD and 70 days RP in almost all three seasons, except in spring 2016/17. Our results show that herbaceous above ground biomass showed resilience up to 15% reduction but were affected more as the rainfall reduction exceeded 30%. The future predicted reduction in rainfall may result in domination of forbs and increaser grass species in the grassland.

Riesgo en salud y habitabilidad de viviendas en zonas de alta vulnerabilidad en Bogotá, Colombia

Objetivos Evaluar las condiciones de habitabilidad de las viviendas y su incidencia sobre la salud en el sector de Mochuelo Bajo, en Bogotá (Colombia), en el marco del proyecto Hábitat Saludable, que es liderado por el Centro de estudios en Vivienda, Hábitat e Innovación Social (CENVIS).Métodos Se elaboró una herramienta de toma de información en campo sobre condiciones socioeconómicas y saludables de la unidad habitacional de familias adscritas al proyecto. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis cuantitativo de la información recolectada para responder al objetivo de la investigación.Resultados Al aplicar la herramienta, se encontró: a) inadecuado abastecimiento, almacenamiento y manejo del agua potable, b) mala disposición de excretas humanas y desechos sólidos domiciliarios, c) mal manejo en el aprovechamiento del agua lluvia, d) inadecuada convivencia con animales domésticos y de consumo, e) contaminación del aire al interior y; f) sistemas autoconstrucción con materiales no seguros y sin asesoría técnica, además de construcción en terrenos inestables.Conclusiones En el sector de Mochuelo Bajo, existen falencias generalizables relacionadas con un inadecuado abastecimiento, almacenamiento y manejo del agua potable, una mala disposición de excretas humanas y de desechos sólidos domiciliarios. También respecto al manejo del agua lluvia, y la convivencia con animales tanto domésticos como de consumo.

Effects of crop residue mulch and seedbed preparation methods on soil properties and rainfed groundnut production in Alfisols of semi‐arid India

AbstractDecreased frequency but greater intensity of rainfall in semi‐arid India severely affects growth and the yield of rainfed annual food crops, where there is no other source of water, leading to moisture stress during protracted dry spells. As Indian farmers growing rainfed crops are small landholders, their better option is in situ rainwater harvesting. This ensures moisture storage and increases soil moisture available to rainfed crops with less‐costly investment. Accordingly, a field investigation was established over 2011, 2012 and 2013 at the Dryland Agricultural Research Station, Chettinad, India. We studied the effects of seedbed preparation method (SBPM) and mulching with crop residues (CRM) on soil physicochemical properties, growth, yield and yield attributes of groundnut. Greater soil moisture content was measured under compartmental bunding (CB) and raised bed (RB) with CRM than under flatbed (FB). Soil bulk density was considerably smaller under CB and RB with CRM (1.36 and 1.37 Mg m−3) compared with FB (1.39 Mg m−3). Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) was larger under CB and RB with CRM (563 and 542 mg kg−1 soil, respectively) than FB with and without CRM. RB with CRM application contained more soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (3.1 Mg ha−1) than FB. CB with CRM resulted in larger groundnut yield (1,604 kg ha−1) and rainwater use efficiency (5.8 kg ha−1 mm−1) than the FB with and without CRM; RB and RF with CRM were intermediate. The ideal seedbed preparation for groundnut crop in Alfisol under semi‐arid conditions was compartmental bunding (CB) and raised bed (RB) along with CRM.