Effects of Super Absorption Materials under Micro Catchment Water Harvesting Systems on Rain Water Productivity of Almond at East Azarbaijan Province

In order to investigate the effects of super absorbent material on water saving and increasing rain water productivity under micro catchments water harvesting systems, a field experiment was conducted in East Azarbaijan. The treatments included two MCWH patterns (small basins and semi-circular bunds), three catchments sizes, three runoff area treatments (Natural, cleared and smoothed, wetting and compacting) and two-infiltration areas (Natural, soil mixed with polymer at a rate of 1kg/tree) for two new almond varieties. Results of this experiment in comparison with farmer fields (traditional and irrigated) showed that super absorbent material had non significant effect on water holding and almond trees growth. Total length of branches created under polymer and without polymer treatments were 432 and 393 cm, respectively and stem thickness changes during crop season for these treatments were 48.3 and 46.1%, respectively. The optimal treatment was 49 square meter runoff area which cleared, smoothed and compacted and without polymer can be recommended. Under these conditions, using animal manures, evaporation control and soil changing is necessary for improving soil water contents on infiltration area. The fruit yield is estimated to 3 kg per tree, totaling 612 kg.ha-1 for the recommended treatment.