Summary

This handbook provides detailed information on the practical aspects of hydrological research in agriculture. It has been written not only for hydrologists, but also field scientists for whom hydrology lies outside their particular specialisation.

Theoretical methods for the estimation of flow peaks and volumes are evaluated. Techniques for the measurement of runoff and its associated meteorological variables are presented with details on equipment and circumstances of suitability, selection, manufacture and operation. Soil erosion and sedimentary processes are discussed in terms of both field data collection and the use of empirical formulae. Alternative field and laboratory methods of measuring soil moisture are described.

Water harvesting techniques are in discussed in the context of increasing catchment size, peak flows and runoff volumes, and the field data from research trials are given for each main category of water harvesting technique. The planning, design and construction of the field structures that are essential in water harvesting research and practice: bunds, ridges and waterways, are also discussed.

Methods of the analysis of hydro-meteorological data are described, illustrating both statistical and non-statistical techniques.