An experiment was conducted on maize at Omo Nada district on a split-plot design with the objective of determining the optimum combination of furrow length and inflow rate under smallholder farmers’ conditions. The treatments include furrow lengths (10 m, 30 m, and 50 m) in the main plot and three inflow rates based on the maximum non-erosive inflow rates in the sub-plot. The data reveals that the plant height was affected ( p < .01) by the variation of the furrow length, but the inflow rate had no significant effect ( p > .05). The maximum and minimum plant heights of 224 and 209 cm were recorded at 30 and 50 m furrow length, respectively. Furrow length has an effect on the dry biomass of maize ( p < 0.01), but there was no significant effect from the inflow rate. At a furrow length of 30 m, there was a maximum biomass production of 29,842 kg/ha, and the lowest dry biomass of 10,575 kg/ha was obtained at a 50 m furrow length. The grain yield of the maize crop was significantly ( p < .01) affected by furrow length. The maximum average grain yield obtained was 9,811 kg/ha. The minimum grain yield of 5,576 kg/ha was obtained from a 50 m furrow length. There was a 43.17% yield increment between the 30 and 50 m furrow lengths. The interaction effect shows that L2Q1, L1Q1, and L2Q3 had the maximum correlation for grain yield, dry biomass, and water productivity, respectively. The maximum grain yield of 9,864 kg/ha and the minimum grain yield of 7,527 kg/ha were obtained at L2Q1 and L3Q3 treatments, respectively. It is evident to recommend that a combination of 30 m furrow length at a 0.99 L/s inflow rate could be effective for water management.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying irrigation levels on haricot bean yield and its related attributes. The experiment was conducted with five irrigation treatments: 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, and 140% Manageable Allowed Depletion (MAD). The results revealed that the 80% MAD treatment produced the highest haricot bean yields, with 25.03, 26.07, and 23.46 qt/ha in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively, with no significant difference from the 100% MAD treatment. The lowest yields per hectare were observed under the 140% MAD treatment, with yields of 18.05, 18.6, and 15.45 qt/ha respectively, across the same years. The average maximum yield across all 3 years was 24.84 qt/ha for the 80% MAD treatment, whereas the minimum was 17.36 qt/ha for the 140% MAD treatment. Water productivity was lowest at 4.32 kg/mm for the 60% and 140% MAD treatments, while the highest values were recorded at 6.09 and 6.07 kg/mm for the 100% and 80% MAD treatments, respectively. Economically, the 80% MAD treatment yielded the highest economic gain of 30,193.1 birr/ha. Therefore, based on these findings, applying 80% MAD under furrow irrigation is recommended for optimal haricot bean production in the semi-arid regions of Ethiopia and similar environments.

Continuous-based comparison of the hydrological model is applied in different parts of a watershed across the world. However, little has been done on hydrological modeling comparison in Ethiopian watersheds, and nothing was done to the Robi watershed. This study aimed to compare two hydrological (SWAT and HEC-HMS) models for modeling the Robi watershed using monthly continuous data. To achieve this objective climate data, spatial and hydrological data were collected. The model was calibrated and validated using observed streamflow data from 1995 to 2004 and 2005 to 2011, respectively. The performance of the model shows that, during the calibration of the SWAT model, R2, Nash-Sutcliff efficiency, PBIAS, p-factor, and r-factor indicate that .82, 0.81, 2%, .83, and 1.03, and in the validation, it indicates that .73, 0.71, 4%, .88, and 1.5, respectively. Similarly, in the HEC-HMS model, R2, Nash-Sutcliff efficiency, and PBIAS indicate .8, .79, and −3 for calibration and .7, 0.68, and −6, respectively in validation. The model was compared in the time domain and quantile domain. The magnitude of observed monthly stream flows for 10%, 50%, and 95% exceedance percentages is 10.7, 2, and 0.14 m3/s. Simulated flow shows exceedance probabilities of 10%, 50%, and 95% as 9.766, 1.8, and .15 for the SWAT model and 9.34, 1.7, and 0.6 m3/s for the HEC HMS model, respectively. Overall the SWAT model performed better than the HEC-HMS model in the Robi Watershed.

Climate and LULC changes can affect runoff. Water stress is a major problem in Ethiopia’s upper and lower parts of the Jewuha watershed. This study aimed to examine the long-term patterns of freshwater availability in the study area under climate and LULC changes by analyzing long-term climate data using SWAT models. The SWAT model was used to simulate the runoff data. Calibrating and validating SWAT results were done by selecting sensitive parameters in the watershed. The LULC change predicted for 2045, a climate change analysis of the years 1984 to 2015 is conducted. The result of the study showed that surface runoff increased by 30.34 m3/s in 2015 as compared with 1984 mainly due to the impact of LULC change. Additionally, climate change’s impacts on the runoff increased by 16.1 m3/s in 2015 compared to 1984. The LULC classes, including vegetation cover (Forest and shrubland), experienced a shift from 35.94% in 1984 to 27.32% in 2015. The agricultural sector, which was 38.01% in 1984, has changed to 50.43% in 2015. The prediction values of agriculture and grassland are 52.29% and 24.193% respectively. At the same time, the prediction value of shrubland decreased to 14.186% in 2045. In general, the hydrology of the Jewha watershed is influenced by LULC and climatic variability in a significant and combined way.

Trace metal enrichments in soil and native maize ( Zea mays L.) in Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve was analyzed due to its direct relation with food security. pH and organic matter (OM) content were obtained in soil, concentrations trace metals were determined in agricultural soil and plant collected from 10 maize plots using ICP-OES. Soil contamination was evaluated using contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), plant contamination was evaluated using bioconcentration factor (BCF). Soils characteristics indicates higher pH values (8–8.9), which favors metal’s translocation from soil > plant. Mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cr (soil: 0.02–0.04; plant: 0–0.01), Fe (soil: 0.77–1.17; plant: 0–0.40), and Zn (soil: 0–0.01; plant: 0–0.01) were within the FAO/WHO and Mexican government soil standards. CF values were classified as “low contamination,” however, Cd, Mn, and Fe indicates “medium contamination” in maize crops. EF values of metals in farmlands were recorded as “lower enrichment values.” BCF showed accumulation of trace metals (especially Fe and Mn) in roots, which acts as a binding element for other trace metals, where OM is low. Overall results in this study suggest that the selected trace metals in the agricultural soils and plant have no appreciable threat to food safety.

Soil water is the main water source for plants, which is replenished by rainfall in the water-limited agricultural systems. Quantifying temporal dynamics of water soil deficit and its replenishment by rainfall can evaluate whether soil water meet the water demand for plants. This would provide accurate guide for when and how the irrigation practices conducted. However, this topic has not been deeply elucidated. In this study, soil water content at varied soil depths and precipitation were continuously monitored during two growing seasons in an apple orchard in the Loess Plateau of China. Soil water storage, soil water deficit and replenishment were also quantified. The results showed that soil water content varied temporally due to the impacts of rainfalls. Soil water storage at 0 ~ 200 cm depth ranged from 272.5 mm to 355.6 mm and the degree of soil water deficit ranged from 0.34 to 0.53 correspondingly. Meanwhile, replenishment of soil water by rainfall was 13.00% in 2017 and 9.78% in 2018, respectively. The qualitative relationship between monthly rainfalls and replenishment indicated that soil water was replenished by rainwater only at soil layers shallower than 160 cm. From the temporal dynamics of soil water content and deficit conditions, soil water could meet the water demand at the fruit expanding stage of apple trees. Irrigation measures should be taken to reduce the soil drought stress at this stage. This study provided an effective hydrological basis to improve the irrigation management of orchards and the efficiency of water resource.

Evaluating the existing irrigation system efficiency and proposing corrective actions are crucial for enhancing irrigation scheme performance. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ethana small-scale irrigation (SSI) scheme using a set of selected indicators. Relevant data were collected from field measurements and various documents. The scheme’s performance was evaluated by determining water delivery, as well as internal and physical indicators. Flow rates at various off-takes (head, middle, and tail sections of the scheme) were recorded using a current meter and a 2″ Parshall flume. CROPWAT 8.0 computer software was used to determine water demand of selected crops. Data analysis was employed using empirical equations, simple descriptive statistics and GIS software. The result revealed that the overall efficiency of the scheme was 38.5% which is below the recommended value. The mean values of water delivery indicators were as follows: adequacy (0.85), delivery efficiency (0.81), equity (0.24), and dependability (0.29). Hence, adequacy, equity, and dependability were under fair conditions, while delivery efficiency was poor. The values of irrigation ratio (0.85) and sustainability of irrigated areas (0.93) showed that the current irrigated area is below the potential irrigable/command area. Generally, Ethana’s small-scale irrigation scheme has been performing below expectations due to various factors. Therefore, it is recommended to improve awareness of irrigation water users regarding water delivery plan, operation, and maintenance of irrigation structures.

Amidst a global water crisis, Jordan is an example of extreme water scarcity. With one of the world’s lowest per capita freshwater availability, Jordan’s growing population and limited resources create a dangerous balance. This research paper investigates into the vital role of renewable energy in addressing Jordan’s water woes and proposes a sustainable path for the future. Through a comprehensive case study, integrating renewable energy and water desalination in arid regions represents a promising pathway for sustainable water management and environmental conservation. By harnessing abundant renewable resources, arid regions can address their pressing water needs, mitigate climate change, and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Overcoming economic barriers and optimizing technology will be crucial in fully unlocking the potential of this innovative approach for a water-secure and environmentally conscious future.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of soil microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), to some soil amendments (organic and inorganic) at site A and site B. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments applied were compost (3.4 t/ha), poultry manure (4.2 t/ha), Tithonia diversifolia (4.8 t/ha), NPK (15:15:15) (0.8 t/ha) at 120 kg N/ha, and the control. Treatments were replicated three times. Tomato seedlings were raised in the nursery and transplanted to the field after 3 weeks with a spacing of 50 × 50 cm. Soil microbiomes (Fungi and Bacteria) were isolated using the serial dilution technique. Compost improved both the total number of fungi by 12%–178% and diversity by 1.09%–85% compared to the other amendments at both sites, while the diversity of bacteria was increased more by Tithonia diversifolia (11%–75%). The total number of bacteria was highest in plots amended with compost at site A. Compost had the highest percentage of bacteria suppressed compared to other amendments studied at both sites (27.3% and 28.5%, respectively). NPK had the highest bacteria suppression at site A. The plot amended with NPK had the highest percentage of bacteria enhanced at site A. NPK had the highest at site B. Poultry had the highest reduction in bacteria at site A. Tithonia diversifolia had the highest percentage proliferation of allochthonous bacteria at both sites with 23.7% and 27.7%, respectively, while compost plots had the least allochthonous bacteria at both sites. At both sites, the percentage of suppressed fungi was highest in plots amended with poultry manure and control. Compost and T. diversifolia had the highest percentage of fungus growth reduction in site A (26.3%). At site A, compost had the highest percentage of allochthonous fungi (29%). Application of compost, poultry manure, and Tithonia diversifolia is recommended for the improvement of soil microbial properties.

The Loess Plateau of China is facing increasingly serious challenges related to water shortage issues despite the successful vegetation restoration. Surface soil water (0–40 cm) is crucial to water transfer and discharge in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, which is controlled by precipitation (P), air temperature (Ta), and plant components. This study selected one typical grass species and set different treatments of natural condition (NC), removing litter (CR), and only roots (OR), to analyze the responses of soil water storage (W) and its change (∆W) to P and Ta at different time scales (including daily, weekly and monthly scales). The results showed that P had significantly positive effects on W and ∆W, while Ta negatively influenced W and ∆W. Meanwhile, Ta also controlled the significance of P affecting W. P contributed more (53–63%) to ∆W variation at the daily scale, but Ta showed more effect (73–80%) at the weekly scale, and both of them contributed more than 77% at the monthly scale. P and Ta existed a threshold phenomenon for increasing soil water, where P thresholds were higher than 0.93, 4.98, and 28.17 mm and Ta threshold were lower than 28.69, 28.89, and 29.96°C at the daily, weekly and monthly scales, respectively. Moreover, grass components also affected the responses of ∆W to P and Ta, and the OR treatment displayed the lowest sensitivity and had the lowest loss rate of soil water. The total infiltration, total loss amount, and rainwater retention rate exhibited: NC > CR > OR. Overall, grass canopy and litter improved soil water condition, and the roots most strongly protected soil water after infiltration. This study can provide a better understanding of surface soil water responding to climate change under drought stress with water shortage implications, and may strength the management of grassland in semi-arid region.