The hydrological response and nutrient loss of certain horticultural ecosystems

Surface runoff, sediment output, and input and output of precipitation nutrients were studied in ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) and pomegranate plantations in the Indian arid zone of Rajasthan during 1993–96. Over 77% of rainfall events were small with low intensity and prolonged duration. High magnitude rainfall (>50 mm) accounted for less than 2% of the rainfall events. Surface runoff was significantly different across the plantations and size of micro-watersheds. Average surface runoff was less than 10% of incidental rainfall, indicating the prominence of deep percolation. Sediment output was positively related to surface runoff. Rainfall added a significant amount of nutrients to the orchards. The extra-system of input was greater than loss through surface runoff plus sediment output. Nutrient loss as particulate matter was more than in solution.