Handbook Archives

14. February 20198. July 2020

Geological Background for MAR Systems

If you want to design a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) system, an understanding of the geological background at your site is necessary.

Aquifers consist of different rock and sedimentary layers. The type and characteristics of these layers determine whether and how much water can infiltrate. A high porosity and permeability is helpful for aquifer recharge, but not all layers have the wanted properties. Moreover, the geological history varies from region to region, therefore it is helpful to include a local geologist into the planning process of a MAR.

The following slides provide you with a basic geological understanding on rock types and their important properties: porosity and permeability. A quiz is included to let you check on your gained knowledge.

Geological Background for MAR Systems by Marwin Krull and Birthe Kristina Hohm is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Aquifer Recharge

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16. November 20168. September 2020

Check Dams Handbook

Check dams are an effective and inexpensive way to improve watershed conditions. They serve to reduce erosion, slow down water flow in gullies and re-establlish vegetation for grazing and can be constructed from locally available materials. Building check dams may be of interest for local farmers, herders, area authorities and people with property rights to the affected hillside and downstream areas. It is important to note that check dams are to be built in groups and are most effective when combined with other watershed management measures.

How to Build Check Dams

If you are interested in learning how to build check dams, take a look at the check dams handbook below! It will provide you with step-by-step building instructions, as well as the needed materials and equipment.

Check Dams Handbook by Giovanni Timillero and Ruth Schaldach is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Pictures taken during a research stay at the Slope Farming Project in Arba Minch, Ethiopia.

Check Dams

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