Runoff Farming in the Desert. III. Microcatchments for Improvement of Desert Range¹

Abstract

Abstract A technique of utilizing surface runoff from microcatchments was adapted to grow pasture shrubs ( Atriplex halimus L.) on a barren saline loessial plain in the desert. The average annual rainfall of the region is about 90 mm. Microcatchments varied in size from 16 m 2 to 1,000 m 2 . Maximum yields were obtained from a 32 m 2 microcatchment which produced an average annual yield of 160 feed units/ha/yr, as compared to 5 to 10 feed units/ha, on the untreated plain. Protein yield was about 40 kg/ha. The system costs $5 to 20 per ha to construct and can repay its construction cost within 2 to 3 years. The method is also being adapted to the growing of fruit trees.