Water Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Key Strategies Underlying the Adaptation of Mongolian Scots Pine (Pinussylvestris var. mongolica) in Sandy Land under Climate Change: A Review

Forest degradation and mortality have been widely reported in the context of increasingly significant global climate change. As the country with the largest total tree plantation area globally, China has a great responsibility in forestry management to cope with climate change effectively. Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) was widely introduced from its natural sites in China into several other sandy land areas for establishing shelterbelt in the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, scoring outstanding achievements in terms of wind-breaking and sand-fixing. Mongolian Scots pine plantations in China cover a total area of ~800,000 hectares, with the eldest trees having >60 years. However, plantation trees have been affected by premature senescence in their middle-age stages (i.e., dieback, growth decline, and death) since the 1990s. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the suitability of Mongolian Scots pine to sandy habitats and the rationality for further afforestation, especially under the global climate change scenario. Fortunately, dieback has occurred only sporadically at specific sites and in certain years and has not spread to other regions in northern China; nevertheless, global climate change has become increasingly significant in that region. These observations reflect the strong drought resistance and adaptability of Mongolian Scots pines. In this review, we summarized the most recent findings on the ecohydrological attributes of Mongolian Scots pine during its adaptation to both fragile habitats and climate change. Five main species-specific strategies (i.e., opportunistic water absorb strategy, hydraulic failure risk avoidance strategy, water conservation strategy, functional traits adjustment strategy, rapid regeneration strategy) were summarized, providing deep insights into the tree–water relationship. Overall, the findings of this study can be applied to improve plantation management and better cope with climate-change-related drought stress.

Consideration of high-quality development strategies for soil and water conservation on the loess plateau

The construction of check dams is an important measure to prevent soil erosion on the Loess Plateau and reduce the amount of sediment entering the Yellow River. Based on an analysis of the current situation of soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau and the three major problems faced by the traditional homogeneous soil check dam construction, the study of anti-scouring materials, hydrological calculation methods, dam design and construction technology and soil and water conservation monitoring are carried out in this paper. The results showed that the current soil and water conservation measures on the Loess Plateau have achieved remarkable outcomes. The new design and application concept of check dams with anti-burst and multi-sand interceptions is innovatively proposed in this paper. The new materials of solidified loess have good durability and anti-scouring characteristics and could meet the overflow and anti-scouring requirements of the new check dam. The small watershed high sand content of hydrological calculation can establish the upper limit of the flood sediment boundary for the anti-scouring protection layer of the check dam. The new technology of dam design and construction can achieve no collapse or slow collapse when encountering floods exceeding the standard. Intelligent monitoring systems can realize real-time dynamic monitoring for soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau. The results will eventually contribute to the national strategy of the Ecological Protection and High Quality Development in the Yellow River basin.

Sprinkler flow rate affects physiological, behavioural and production responses of Holstein cows during heat stress

Holstein Friesian cows are known for their high milk yield. They are popular in the commercial dairy sector of Pakistan. Heat stress is a major challenge for these animals owing to the longer summer season with high ambient temperatures (35 - 40 °C) and relative humidity (30 - 50%) in the area (Butt et al., 2020). Mitigating the effects of heat stress requires substantial investments in energy and water. Spraying dairy cows with water in the holding pen or at the feed bunk is common practice as it lowers body temperature and respiration rate (Kendall et al., 2007; Chen et al., 2013; 2016), and improves feed intake and milk yield (Keister et al., 2002). Owing to the recent decrease in global groundwater, studies have focused on strategies to reduce the use of water to cool dairy cows (Chen et al., 2016). Sprinkler flow rates of 1.3 and 4.9 L/min had similar effects on physiological responses of cows to heat load but produced a 73% difference in water use (Chen et al., 2016). Similarly, Tresoldi et al. (2019) concluded that a sprinkler flow rate of 4.9 L/min had poor efficiency compared with 3.3 L/min, as the additional water did not result in increased biologically relevant cooling. These studies were conducted in Mediterranean climates with an average temperature humidity index in the range of 76 to 78. A recent study with Nili Ravi buffaloes revealed a sprinkler flow rate 1.25 L/min was more efficient than one of 2.0 L/min during subtropical summers (Bah et al., 2021). Because water is projected to be scarce in Pakistan by 2030 (Mustafa et al., 2013), holistic strategies for water conservation in the dairy sector are important nationally. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various sprinkler flow rates on the performance of lactating Holstein Friesian cows in a typical corporate dairy farm setting during the subtropical summer. Performance of these cows was assumed to be similar, irrespective of the sprinkler flow rates.

Increasing trends in rainfall erosivity in the Yellow River basin from 1971 to 2020

Hourly precipitation data from 1971 to 2020, collected from 98 stations distributed across the Yellow River basin, were analyzed to detect changes in characteristics on rainfall and rainfall erosivity for all storms and storms with extreme erosivity (greater than 90th percentile). Results showed that over the past 50 years, rainfall erosivity at both event and seasonal scales over the whole basin increased significantly (p < 0.05) with rates of 5.46% and 6.86% decade-1, respectively, compared to the 1981–2010 average values. Approximate 80% of 98 stations showed increasing trends and 20% of stations had statistically significant trends (p < 0.1). The increase of rainfall erosivity resulted from the significant increasing trends of average storm precipitation (p < 0.1), duration (p < 0.1), rainfall energy (p < 0.05) and maximum 1-h intensity (p < 0.05). In addition, the total extreme erosivity showed significant upward trends at a relative rate of 6.05% decade-1 (p < 0.05). Extreme erosivity storms occurred more frequently and with higher rainfall energy during the study period (p < 0.05). Trends for seasonal total and extreme erosivity were also estimated based on daily rainfall data, and the changing magnitudes were similar to those based on hourly rainfall data, which suggested daily rainfall can be applied to detect interannual and long-term variations of rainfall erosivity in the absence of rainfall data with higher resolution. It was suggested that soil and water conservation strategies and vegetation projects conducted within the Yellow River basin should be continued and enhanced in the future.

Assessment of the changes in contributions from water sources to streamflow induced by urbanization in a small-sized catchment in Southeastern Brazil using the dual stable isotopes of water (18O and 2H).

Urban growth often results in changes in the urban hydrological cycle, causing impacts on water availability in densely populated regions. The water isotopologues can provide relevant information about the origin of water under different hydrogeological scenarios, aiding to implement better strategies for water conservation in coupled natural-urbanized environments. In this study, the isotopic compositions of multiple water sources were assessed in a pristine (Ipanema National Forest, FLONA) and an urbanized (Lavapés catchment, SOR) watershed located in the Sorocaba River basin (State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil), seeking to understand the causes of isotopic variability and to determine the relative contribution from different sources to streamflow, using the Bayesian mixing model approach. Differences in isotopic composition were observed, as FLONA yielded the most depleted water (ca. -7.5 ‰ [Formula: see text]18O for surface and groundwater and ca. + 11.0 ‰ d-excess), while SOR yielded the most enriched water (ca. -5.5‰ [Formula: see text]18O for surface and groundwater and -3.8‰ [Formula: see text]18O for the water supply system), with evidence of evaporation (ca. + 8.2 ‰ d-excess). The differences observed in isotopic compositions are related to a combination of different factors, such as geological framework, groundwater recharge, and evaporation associated with the Itupararanga water reservoir. Both in FLONA and SOR, groundwater discharge is the most important factor that regulates streamflow. However, in SOR, losses from the water supply system were almost constant along the year, representing an important contribution. The results presented here highlight the use of isotope hydrology techniques to solve problems related to urban hydrology.

Industrial water network vulnerability analysis using dynamic inoperability input-output model

Industrial parks provide opportunities for Process Integration among different enterprises. Inter-Plant Water Network Integration is an effective strategy for water conservation. However, increased interplant linkages can make the entire system vulnerable to cascading failures in case of loss of water flow in some plants. The potential indirect impact of water shortages on such integrated systems may not be evident without the use of appropriate models. This work defines inoperability as the fractional loss of water flow relative to normal operations. A comparison between the applicability of demand-driven versus supply-driven Inoperability Input-output Model (IIM) is conducted. Then, a Vulnerability Assessment Framework which integrates vulnerability indicators into the Dynamic Input-Output Model (DIIM) is developed to analyse failure propagation in water networks in an industrial park. The DIIM is then applied to simulate the cascading effects of disturbances. From a time perspective, the vulnerabilities of the industrial parks With Integrated Optimal Water Network (WWN) and Without Integrated Optimal Water Network (WOWN) are assessed considering robustness, adaptability, and recoverability as the indicators. The results indicate that supply-driven IIM is more suitable for cascading failure analysis of water networks. The average inoperability at 16% from supply-driven IIM is higher than that from demand-driven IIM. In the freshwater disturbance scenario, the dependence of the plant on freshwater is proportional to the rate of inoperability change, the time to reach a new equilibrium. In this study, the robustness of WWN is about fivefold that of WOWN, but the recovery rate is only one-sixth of the latter. This work can help identify system vulnerabilities and provide a scientific insight for the development of park-wide water management strategies.

GLOBAL WATER SCARCITY DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS CONSERVATION STRATEGIES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA : A REVIEW

The strategic importance of fresh water for global water and food security will probably intensify under climate change which worsen the situation as it leads to increased frequency and intensity of climatic extremes such as flood, drought, cyclone, heat/ cold waves, alteration in water cycle, water resources depletion, increased variability of precipitation, salt water intrusion in aquifers, increasing irrigation demand, decreasing soil moisture and rapid evaporation of surface water and many more. This review provides an insight about climate change and its impact on quantity and quality of water, water scarcity on a global scale with emphasis on Indian water resources, its availability and conservation strategies to mitigate water scarcity. Global warming resulting in climate change is expected to account for about 20% of the global increase in water scarcity. Global water consumption has increased six fold in last century and in coming decades is expected to grow rapidly. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population could be living under water stressed conditions. African continent is the worst affected by the scarcity of water. The gross per capita water availability in India will decline from about 1820 m3 per year in 2001 to as low as about 1140 m3 per year in 2050. It is estimated that the country would need 1180 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water annually by 2050. So, there is an urgent need of sustainable utilization of water resources, formulation of climate adaption strategies, making the people and government aware about shrinking water resources as well as taking urgent action for conservation and harvesting of water at local, national and global scale.

Cost Reduction Strategies and Guest Satisfaction among Hotels in the Coast Region of Kenya

Purpose: The increase in operations cost in Kenya has seen some hotels close while others lose guests. In addition, poor customer relationship management and the loss of accreditations issued early are thought to be a result of rising operating costs. The study sought to investigate the effects of cost-cutting strategies on guest satisfaction in hotels in the coast region, specifically Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.&#x0D; Methodology: To collect and analyze data for this study, a quantitative approach using survey design and stratified random sampling were used. A total of 394 questionnaires were distributed to various respondents from various strata across the levels in hotels in Kenya's coast region. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used in SPSS version 21 to analyze the data and produce percentages and frequencies to describe the data as well as determine the impact of cost-cutting strategies on guest satisfaction.&#x0D; Findings: It was discovered that hotels in Kenya's coast region prioritized guest satisfaction and implemented a variety of strategies to improve and retain guest satisfaction. However, it was discovered that not all strategies contributed to increased guest satisfaction. The study discovered that water and energy conservation strategies had a positive effect on guest satisfaction in hotels in Kenya's coast region. Labor cost-cutting strategies, on the other hand, had a negative impact on hotel guest satisfaction. The relationship between labor cost cutting strategies and guest satisfaction is negative (r= - 0.116). There exist positive relationship between energy and water saving strategies and guest satisfaction (r= 0.09). From the model summary, it was established that variances in labor cost reduction strategies, energy and water conservation strategies accounted for 42.7% changes in guest satisfaction among hotels (R squared= 0.42).&#x0D; Contribution to theory and practice: The study's findings are important for policymakers because they can help develop policies in the hospitality industry that can help hotels improve and maintain guest satisfaction. In addition, hoteliers can learn about the impact of cost-cutting strategies on their customers from the study findings.

Small Alpine Marsupials Regulate Evaporative Water Loss, Suggesting a Thermoregulatory Role Rather than a Water Conservation Role.

AbstractWe show here that evaporative water loss (EWL) is constant over a wide range of ambient relative humidity for two species of small, mesic habitat dasyurid marsupials (Antechinus agilis and Antechinus swainsonii) below thermoneutrality (20°C) and within thermoneutrality (30°C). This independence of EWL from the water vapor pressure deficit between the animal and its environment indicates that EWL is physiologically controlled by both species. The magnitude of this control of EWL was similar to that of two other small marsupials from more arid habitats, which combined with the observation that there were no effects of relative humidity on body temperature or metabolic rate, suggests that control of EWL is a consequence of precise thermoregulation to maintain heat balance rather than a water-conserving strategy at low relative humidities. The antechinus appear to manipulate cutaneous EWL rather than respiratory EWL to control their total EWL by modifying their cutaneous resistance and/or skin temperature. We propose that there is a continuum between enhanced thermoregulatory EWL at high ambient temperature and so-called insensible EWL at and below thermoneutrality.

Machine learning and regression-based techniques for predicting sprinkler irrigation's wind drift and evaporation losses

Wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL), which can occur as a result of operational and meteorological factors, are two of the most significant sprinkler-irrigation losses that can occur even in a well-managed irrigation system. A proper understanding of factors that influence WDEL in sprinkle irrigation is critical for developing water conservation strategies that significantly impact the quality and return on investment of irrigation projects. The specific objective of this research was to determine the predictive ability of five soft computing approaches (artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), probabilistic linear regression (PLR), and support vector regression (SVR)) for predicting WDEL on a sprinkler irrigation system under design, operational, and meteorological conditions. Datasets were collected from previously published studies conducted under a variety of conditions. The results showed that the five approaches yielded statistically different WDEL predictions. The ANN model produced the most accurate WDEL predictions compared to the other models with the training and testing dataset. The ANFIS, MARS, PLR, and SVR models' performance ranks were found to be inconsistent across a variety of statistical performance criteria. Hence, Shannon's entropy-based decision theory was used to rank these models. The MARS model was ranked second (0.896), followed by the ANFIS model (0.865), the PLR model (0.833), and the SVR model (0.794). The design variable “auxiliary nozzle diameter” and climate variable “wind speed” both had high contribution ratios (17.5% and 12.19%, respectively) in WDEL modeling to produce a robust predictive model. In general, the developed models, particularly the ANN model, demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in estimating the WDEL of sprinkler irrigation systems.

South African winter rainfall zone shifts: A comparison of seasonality metrics for Cape Town from 1841–1899 and 1933–2020

Mounting evidence across South Africa’s southwestern winter rainfall zone (WRZ) reflects consistent drying since ~ 1980, and projected trends suggest this will continue. However, limited evidence exists for changes in the region’s rainfall seasonality. To improve our understanding of these WRZ drying trends, especially within the context of Cape Town’s 2015–2017 “Day Zero” drought, it is necessary to explore long-term rainfall seasonality trends. Thus, we use the longest WRZ meteorological record from the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town to investigate rainfall seasonality shifts during 1841–2020. Consistent with recorded poleward migrations of the subtropical high-pressure belt and mid-latitude westerlies, known drivers behind the drought and drying trends, calculated trends demonstrate strengthening of WRZ conditions, primarily from a later start-date trend leading to a shorter wet-season. Long-term drying trends are quantified for the wet and dry seasons; however, analysis of trend evolution reveals much variability, reflecting that drying has only persisted since ~ 1892. Comparative analyses of the first and last 59 years of 1841–2020 reveal a rainfall decline of almost 10% across both seasons—highlighting that the extreme “Day Zero” drought was not only driven by wet-season rainfall declines. Results demonstrate that these drying trends were consistently driven by a long-term decline in rain day counts and a more recent decline in average rainfall per rain day. Correspondence between our results and projected rainfall seasonality trends suggests the trends we quantified will likely continue; thus, improvements and continuation of existing water conservation and management strategies are imperative for Cape Town.

SOIL INFILTRATION IN VARIOUS AREAS AS A BASIS FOR HYDRLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE TOBOLI WATERSHED, CENTRAL SULAWESI, INDONESIA

The heterogeneity of infiltration has a strategic influence on the hydrological process in the watershed, and one of the factors affecting its rate and soil compaction is land use. Therefore, this study aims to compare infiltration rates in three land-use areas, namely secondary forest, agroforestry, and moor. A survey method was used, where field data observations were carried out at three locations. The infiltration rate measurement was performed using a double-ring infiltrometer with five repetitions at each sampling site. The results showed that the lowest value of 4.72 cm h-1 was recorded on the moorland, while agroforestry had the highest of 12.87 cm h-1. These findings indicate that land use has a significant role in changing soil physical properties and compaction, hence, sustainable soil and water conservation strategies are needed.

Functional Traits and Ecological Strategies of Bryophytes in Response to Environmental Gradients of the Western Ghats of Sahyadri Mountain Range, Maharashtra (India)

The Western Ghats, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, houses a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bryophytes. These non-vascular plants play critical roles in ecosystem functioning, but their functional traits and ecological strategies in response to environmental gradients remain poorly understood in this region. This study aims to investigate the functional traits and ecological adaptations of bryophytes along temperature, humidity, and altitude gradients in the Sahyadri Mountain Range of Maharashtra, Western Ghats, India.In this research, field surveys are conducted across distinct forest types to sample bryophyte communities. Specific leaf area, shoot density, growth forms, and reproductive strategies ire quantified as key functional traits. Relationships between functional traits and environmental gradients ire analysed using regression models and multivariate techniques. Additionally, dominant ecological strategies among bryophytes ire identified based on trait composition.Our findings reveal a rich diversity of bryophytes in the Western Ghats, with 120 species identified across the sampled sites. Species composition varied significantly along the environmental gradients, with higher species richness observed in areas with higher humidity and lair altitude. Specific leaf area exhibited a negative correlation with temperature, indicating water conservation strategies in response to warmer conditions. Shoot density sloid positive associations with humidity, suggesting competitive adaptations under higher moisture availability.Furthermore, bryophytes in higher altitudes and cooler climates exhibited distinct growth forms, such as cushions and mats, likely to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Ecological strategies predominantly varied among forest types, with stress-tolerant strategies prevailing in the drier, low-altitude regions, and competitive strategies dominant in the cooler, high-altitude regions.These findings shed light on the adaptive capabilities of bryophytes in the Western Ghats and their ecological responses to changing environments. Understanding bryophyte functional traits and ecological strategies is vital for assessing their roles in ecosystem resilience and functioning. The insights from this study hold implications for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate change assessments in the Western Ghats and other mountainous regions worldwide

Blue Water Footprint and Grey Water Footprint Assessment of Block-Printed Batik-Making Process Coloured by Indigo (Indigofera sp.), Tingi (Ceriops sp.) and Mahogany (Swietenia sp.) Dyes

The Indonesian batik, which is usually produced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often consumes a lot of water and causing environmental pollution. Therefore, a study to map the water use for batik production is required. This study examines the Blue Water Footprint (BWF) and Grey Water Footprint (GWF) of block-printed batik making-process coloured by Indigo (Indigofera sp.), Mahogany (Swietenia sp.) and Tingi (Ceriops sp.) dyes produced by a batik SME in Jarum village of Klaten Regency, Indonesia. The average BWF of block-printed batik making-process coloured by natural dyes was lower than the GWF and Indigo consumes more water in dyeing, followed by Tingi and Mahogany. The dyeing process consumes less water for BWF (2.96 L/pc), while the biggest portion of BWF was contributed from the wax removal process (152.81 L/pc). Implementation of cleaner production by managing the grey water, such as the implementation of communal Wastewater Treatment Plant, adopting water conservation strategies and educating the craftsmen are necessary to achieve batik and water resource sustainability.

Factors Affecting Wheat Producers’ Water Conservation Behavior: Evidence from Iran

The present research aimed to identify and analyze the factors influencing water conservation behaviors (WCBs) and determine the most important ones. The research adopted a causal-relational method with a questionnaire compiled for data collection. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire based on the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha for different sections were between 0.71 and 0.95. The statistical population included 5473 wheat farmers in Bukan Township, Iran. Krejcie and Morgan tables were used to calculate the sample size of 357 people. All these farmers have key information about the effects of climate change (e.g., drought) and are pioneers in using adaptation and water conservation strategies in wheat production. In this study, the sample size was determined using stratified sampling method with proportional assignment. The questionnaire validity was approved by the validity expert board. According to the findings of the exploratory factor analysis, the most important factors influencing WCBs of wheat producers included “institutional”, “economic”, “natural”, “extensional”, “social”, “attitudinal”, and “self-identity” ones. These seven factors together accounted for 47.498% of the variance in WCBs of wheat producers. The relationship between independent variables and wheat growers’ WCBs was determined by Pearson correlation coefficients. According to the results, economic, institutional, natural, attitudinal, social, and self-identity factors had a significant relationship with WBC at 1% error level. The regression results also showed that among the studied variables, economic and extensional factors had the greatest impact on wheat growers’ WCBs. The results can help managers and planners determine policies that focus more on economic and extensional factors that have been neglected in previous studies.

Water need and water use efficiency of two plant species in soil-containing and soilless substrates under green roof conditions

Despite the significance of urban landscapes, there are limiting factors like spaces and water resources to expand them across the world. These limitations necessitate the development of water-conserving strategies in vertical infrastructures such as green roofs. One water-conserving strategy is precise irrigation regimes based on the plant species’ water needs. We investigated the water need of Carpobrotus edulis and Aptenia cordifolia under treatments with different soil-containing and soil-less water-absorbing substrate amenders and humic acid applications. The experiment was factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications and was conducted from May to September 2020. The first factor was the substrates with different green roof substrate compositions including soil-containing and soilless substrates with varying bentonite percentages. The second factor was humic acid levels (zero, 100, and 200 mg/l), which were applied as fertigation every 15 days during the experiment. Water needs were determined using the lysimetric method. The results showed that despite the soil-containing substrate with bentonite, the soilless substrate alone could not lead to optimal plant growth. The highest water use efficiency and the least evapotranspiration were obtained from the substrate containing 20%Soil +20% leca +20% perlite +20% mineral pumice +20% leaf litter plus 12% w bentonite, combined with A. cordifolia. This plant species showed a better performance compared with C. edulis. During the spring and summer months, the soil-containing substrate with bentonite and A. cordifolia can create a sustainable green roof system by creating better coverage, more water conservation, and a more aesthetic appearance. Based on the results, the application of the highest concentration level of humic acid (200 mg/l) increased the water use efficiency by about 40% after the establishment of the plants. Also, using this level of humic acid reduced the evapotranspiration rate in A. cordifolia up to 10 ml/day and in C. edulis up to 15 ml/day.

Performance of Holstein cows subjected to different cooling sessions during subtropical summer.

This study aimed to determine the effect of different cooling sessions (CSs) as a water conservation strategy on physiological, and production responses and welfare in Holstein Friesian cows during subtropical summer in Pakistan. Twenty-one cows were subjected to three CS in a completely randomized design. The treatments were: i) eleven hours continuous cooling with sprinklers - control (CNT), ii) four CS, and iii) two CS. The CNT represented the practices of the commercial dairy farms in the area, while the other CSs were used as water reduction strategies. Each CS lasted for 1 h with a 12 min cycle (3 min water on and 9 min off) with a sprinkler flow rate of 1.25 L/min. The average temperature humidity index of the shed and the outside open area were 81.9 and 82.5, respectively. The results showed that both physiological responses were highest in the 2CS group followed by the CNT and the 4CS (p = 0.001). The CNT and 4CS groups had similar milk yield (p = 0.040). The 4CS group had more lying and eating times than the CNT and 2CS groups (p = 0.000). The cortisol level in the 2CS group was 2.0 and 2.2 μg/dL more than the CNT and the 4CS groups, respectively (p = 0.000). In conclusion, the 4CS was more efficient in cooling the cows and had better welfare, as it yielded similar milk yield, and better physiological responses than the CNT despite using 90% less water.

Photosynthesis-Related Responses of Colombian Elite Hevea brasiliensis Genotypes under Different Environmental Variations: Implications for New Germplasm Selection in the Amazon.

The objective of this study was to evaluate photosynthetic performance based on gas exchange traits, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and leaf water potential (ΨL) in nine Hevea brasiliensis genotypes from the ECC-1 (Élite Caquetá Colombia) selection and the cultivar IAN 873 (control) in response to different climatic (semi-humid warm and humid warm climates), seasonal (dry and rainy periods), and hourly (3:00 to 18:00) variations that can generate stress in the early growth stage (two-year-old plants) in two large-scale clonal trials in the Colombian Amazon. The photosynthetic performance in 60% of the Colombian genotypes was slightly affected under the conditions with less water availability (dry period, semi-humid warm site, and between 9:00 and 15:00 h), as compared with IAN 873, whose affectation was moderate in terms of photosynthesis rates, but its water conservation strategy was strongly affected. The ECC 90, ECC 83, and ECC 73 genotypes had the best photosynthetic performance under conditions of greater water limitation, and ECC 35, and ECC 64 had a higher water status based on the leaf water potential, with intermediate photosynthetic performance. This germplasm has a high potential for selection in rubber tree breeding programs in future scenarios of climate change in the Colombian Amazon.

We Have Plenty of Water, Don’t We? Social Norms, Practices, and Contentions in a Drought-Ridden Country

Climate and land use change pose global challenges to water policy and management. This article furthers calls for integrated research conceptualizing water management as a holistic, interdependent system that may benefit from sociological research. To better understand how socioenvironmental change affects lifestyle expectations and experiences, interviews with in-migrants (relocated to inland Australia from metropolitan cities), industry and government informants are thematically analyzed. Results show in-migrants engage in adaptive water management and conservation strategies to enhance water security, yet call for council provision of water management education to minimize vulnerability. Industry informants perceive few water supply or pollution issues, favoring technological solutions to support unfettered growth and water amenities, while de-prioritizing environmental sustainability goals. Government priorities reflect drought narratives in Australian water policy reform and show concern about meeting consumer water supply and preserving water quality. With predictions of greater weather severity, including flooding, and in-migrants’ difficulty managing heavy rainfall, national legislation and policy modifications are necessary. Specifically, normalizing climate variability in policy and social identities is desirable. Finally, practices prioritizing water scarcity and trading management over environmental protection indicate a need to surpass environmental commodification by depoliticizing water management.

APPLICATION OF HYDROLOGICAL MODELS IN A SMALL AGRICULTURAL CATCHMENT FOR WATER MANAGEMENT: CASE STUDY ON WADI EL-RAML WATERSHED-NORTH WESTERN COAST OF EGYPT

North Western Coast of Egypt as a semi-arid region suffers from lack of rainfall most of the year except during rainfall events during the winter season which may even culminate with flash floods that causes acceleration of soil erosion and water losses resulting in degradation of the cultivation lands and consequently the agri-food productivity. This region Suffer lack of water reservoirs and terraces construction. Hydrological models are very useful tools for simulating the effect of natural processes and management practices on soil and water resources. Hence, the aim of study is calibrating and validating hydrological models KINEROS2(K2), ARCSWAT, to select the appropriate model and applying it to establish water and Soil conservation strategies such as terraces construction and building reservoirs. A yearly data set was used consisting of weather data, water content measurements and Gerlesh trough technique. Satellite image Digital elevation model (DEM), Land Cover classifications and soil map were used as layers input in models. The Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) and coefficient of determination (R²) were used to evaluate model’s performance. The results reveal that the K2 are better than ARCSWAT, with acceptable NSE and R2 values, where the NSE, R2 were 0.86, 0.84 fork 2 and NSE, R2 were 0.55, 0.47 for ARCSWAT respectively. The K2 model was applied in sub-catchment where the estimated result of surface runoff was ranged from 21.92 to 169.695 m 3 ha-1 year-1. Hence, it is recommended that a reservoir can be constructed inside field approximately about 200 m3 ha-1 y-1 for using as Supplementary irrigation during dry period and the result indicated to areas with a high risk of soil loss that ranged from 38.88 to 3,860 kg. ha-1. year-1 .