Integrated System of Rainwater Harvest and Water and Energy Saving Irrigation in Mountainous and Hilly Areas

A new idea of integrating rainwater harvest with water saving irrigation and of combining non powered irrigation with powered irrigation in line with local conditions for irrigating mountainous and hilly land was put forward. An integrated system with distinct characteristics was designed in accordance with the idea. Some technologies, equipment and installation were developed and combined rationally with those in existence for constructing the system. The test results showed that the system needed an investment of 6 080 Yuan/hm² and its annual operating cost was 1 039.7 Yuan/hm². Compared to traditional cultivation, it increased spinach yield by 20%, and its ratio of profit to cost was 4.36. Therefore the system is appropriate to mountainous and hilly regions for improving production. Moreover, harvesting and storing rainwater can reduce water and soil loss and erosion, which is helpful for water and soil conservation.