The Influence of Climate Change on Runoff from Headwater Catchments

This contribution presented cartographic visualization of project aims.  The goal is to presented the classification the potential utility of irrigation and available water in the Czech Republic territory in the scale of small catchment in square km size. Definition and basic classification of the are presented by Kavka (Kavka, 2021). Classification of the these catchments based on various factors such as terrain morphology, soil characteristics, drought risk, and rainfall variability with final. Main goal of presented are involves the assessing options for retention of the water in the agriculture landscape for the consequence irrigation systems. The research are also focused to the designing and implementing a system for monitoring soil water regimes in irrigated areas as a tool for optimizing irrigation systems and managing water resources.

Water resources are limited by the amount of rainfall and the ways to capture water from extreme precipitation events. To make the most efficient use of these resources, it is important to capture water directly in source catchments and use it for irrigation, rather than relying on technology-intensive infrastructure. Given the changes in climate, which in temperate Central Europe can bring about higher concentrations of extreme precipitation and longer dry periods, it is crucial to adaptation for future changes. From an agricultural perspective, changes in the rapid component of runoff and reduced retention capacity are also key considerations.

In areas that are not near significant watercourses with constant and relative high flow, local sources of water for irrigation may not be relevant. The project includes the identification of areas where it may be possible to store irrigation water at a local scale. The evaluation of the need for hydrological models, local measurements, and balance characteristics of the area. This involves determining the water needs in small catchments, primarily targeted at local irrigation systems, and researching sources of moisture needs. Data on existing and historical small reservoirs and areas with potential water storage for irrigation needs in the source catchments are used for these analyses, considering existing agro-climatic areas and identified historical irrigation systems. The areas with low or zero infiltration (paved road, cities, buildings, etc.) are identified.

 Acknowledgements: This contribution was supported by grant of the The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic – No. SS01020052 - “Utility and risk of irrigation over the Czech Republic in changing climate”.