Runoff extraction from rock outcrops for supplementary irrigation (Case study: Zoshk-Abardeh watershed, Iran)

Water harvesting using runoff is one of the approaches that reduces risk factors in the country and leads to a stability and sustainability in agricultural activities of arid and semi-arid regions. This work aims to assess the potential of rock outcrops (more than 90% of rock fragment) for supplementary irrigation in the Zoshk-Abardeh watershed. Results showed that runoff volume extracted from rock outcrops with an area of 433 ha in only four month (June, July, August, and September) will be around 866000 m3, which would decrease the reliance on watershed groundwater resources and compensate a significant part of water deficiency in dry season. Ecosystem function of rainwater harvesting in the studied watershed was estimated to be 650$/ha, which can establish the economic justification of these techniques.