The spatial distribution and properties of rainfed
orchards in semi-arid environments result from
complex interactions between man and the physical and
economical environment. It is shown how the practice
of clean sweeping (i.e. frequent shallow tillage)
influences the orchard water balance and how the
removal of traditional soil and water conservation
structures affects the connectivity of overland flow
to the river system. Clean sweeping constrains the
root growth in the plough layer, so that the trees
cannot access the water from small rain events. It
appears that the practice of clean...