Revisiting irrigation efficiency before restoring ancient irrigation canals in multi-functional, nature-based water systems

Nicolás A. Oyonarte, Helena Gómez-Macpherson, Sergio Martos-Rosillo, Antonio González-Ramón and Luciano Mateos

Agricultural Systems, 2022, vol. 203, issue C

Abstract: In the Middle Ages, the Muslims introduced communal water management in the Iberian Peninsula. Some irrigation systems of medieval origin are still in operation in the mountainous areas of Southern Spain. Snowmelt runoff is diverted during spring from high-altitude streams into contoured recharge ditches that convey the water to areas of high infiltration (shallow aquifers). This regulates and delays discharge into the main river, from which downstream flow is diverted, during late spring and summer, to irrigation ditches that supply terraces and fields on river plains. The Busquístar irrigation ditch and its irrigation scheme comprise one of these ancient systems.

Keywords: Irrigation efficieny; Ancient irrigation systems; Irrigation water multi-functionality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:agisys:v:203:y:2022:i:c:s0308521x22001494

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103513

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