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Exploring kuhl irrigation system potential in changing cryosphere regime of Astore river basin, Pakistan

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Abstract

Snow and glacier melt runoff supporting agriculture and livelihoods of large number of communities is becoming highly vulnerable to recent changes in climate and cryosphere in the Himalayan region. In the present study, potential for expanding base of glacier-fed irrigation system was assessed through adopting water availability and topographic suitability indexing approach in the Astore basin, of Pakistan. Availability of glacier-melt water was found 2.0 L/sec/hectare (lps/ha) over high topographic suitability area (0–15° slope < 3500 m), 0.8 lps/ha over combined high and medium suitability area (0–30° slope < 3500 m), and 0.9 lps/ha over net culturable land in the basin. These estimates point toward adequate meltwater availability for establishing kuhl system over high and medium topographic suitability areas in the basin. The scenarios of 20%, 40%, and 60% reduction in glaciated area indicated adequate meltwater runoff for crop farming over high topographic suitability, while the water availability was observed low over medium suitability and net culturable areas. A long-term research on changing climate and cryosphere would be important to understand the hydroglacial dynamics and implications for water resource management in this region in future.

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Acknowledgements

The data support of Pakistan Meteorological Department, Water and Power Development Authority, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, is highly acknowledged. We also appreciate all scientists and members of the local communities for rendering technical and field support during execution of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Climate, Energy and Water Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Arshad Ashraf & Muhammad Asif

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Mehwish Iqbal

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  1. Arshad Ashraf
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  2. Mehwish Iqbal
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  3. Muhammad Asif
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Contributions

AA contributed in conceptualization, design, and write-up; MI in data processing and analysis; and MA in data analysis and discussion during execution of the study.

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Correspondence to Arshad Ashraf.

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Responsible Editor: Amjad Kallel

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Ashraf, A., Iqbal, M. & Asif, M. Exploring kuhl irrigation system potential in changing cryosphere regime of Astore river basin, Pakistan. Arab J Geosci 16, 106 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11201-x

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