PRELIMINARY ASSESSING THE ROLE OF MICRO-CATCHMENT WATER HARVESTING TECHNIQUES IN IMPROVING GRAZING COVER VEGETATION IN HAMA STEPPE (DEBAH SITE) -SYRIA

Abstract

To evaluate the performance of micro-catchment water harvesting techniques in combating desertification and the land degradation in the arid and semi- arid areas in Syria, this study was conducted at Debah Site of Hama Steppe / Syria, about 100 km north east of Hama city, about 70 km of Salamieh city and about 60 km north east of Hamra area. Community-based approach was introduced as an alternative to better manage the available and degraded resources. The micro-catchment water harvesting techniques were tested at the site (manually prepared semi-circular, contour ridges). Tow spacing (6 and 12m), and three fodder species: (Atriplex halimus, Atriplex leucoclada and Salsolavermiculata) were compared. Statistical analysis of the 2011-2012 showed high efficiency of micro-catchment water harvesting techniques in improving land productivity through increasing soil moisture content and shrub growth and shrub survival rates as compared to the control without water harvesting. Atriplex halimus recorded the highest survival rates and biomass as compared to other species.

Keywords

• water harvesting techniques
• cover vegetation
• debah site
• hama
• syria