Alternative Irrigation The Promise of Runoff Agriculture [Paperback]

An introduction to runoff agriculture - a form of agricultural irrigation - this text describes how the use of surface and subsurface water, often overlooked and wasted, enables both small farmers and commercial agriculturists to improve yields and the security of harvest, even in harsh and remote environments. The text introduces the techniques and strategies, as well as the challenges and the potential of the crucial approach, which can contribute so much to reducing land degradation and improving conservation and sustainability.Introduction * Soil and Water Conservation * Runoff Harvesting and Storage * Ephemeral and Variable Streamflow: Spate, Wetlands and Flood Agriculture * Indigenous Runoff Agriculture: Challenges and Breakdown * Expanding, Upgrading and Rehabilitating Runoff Agriculture * The Future for Runoff Agriculture * Glossary * References * Further Reading * Index'An essential tool for research and teaching.'Landmark'This book provides a fascinating ... insight into this most ancient of agricultural practices.'Biological Agriculture and Horticulture'This excellent and very modestly priced book will serve both as an introduction and a well researched reference text on a much neglected aspect of irrigated agriculture.'Experimental AgricultureChristopher J Burrow is senior lecturer at the School of Social Sciences and International Development, University of Wales, Swansea. He has been adviser and consultant to organizations such as the World Bank and is author of a number of books, including 'Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: An Introduction' and 'Developing the Environment: Problems and Management'.