The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oman; Misfat Al Abriyeen

Join Geoff as he tours the ancient falaj irrigation system of Misfat al Abriyeen, located deep within the Oman Mountains. This ingenious system has a long history, dating back to 500 AD or possibly earlier. It is an incredible example of human innovation and creativity.

Geoff walks the ancient irrigation system in the village of Misfah in the mountains of East Oman. The system, called a falaj, supports an old food forest with a date palm overstory, and it’s being fed out of natural spring.

What is a Falaj? It is a system where gravity channels water from underground sources to support agriculture and household use. In villages and towns, the management and distribution of water still depend on mutual understanding and community values.

Terraced gardens are full of productive plants. Tomatoes cascade over the edges. Lettuce, blue peas, and onions are growing on the tops of the terraces. Pomegranate, mango, cooking bananas, figs, and citrus are growing throughout the system of hidden terraces and water channels.
Frogs and fish dart around in the irrigation channels. A high elevation storage pond is used to release water to the main gardens, as well as act as local bathing pool. Vegetation from the system is pulled as forage for livestock (goats) which, in turn, provide fertility for vegetation.
Many of the original walls, mortared together with mud and straw, are still standing, and some have been repaired with modern concrete. The system has been adapted with modern means to handle floods by draining them into the wadi below when the water gets to be too much for the irrigation channels.

The system can be diversified a bit and fertility from the manure extended via high carbon composting additions, but it’s a highly functional, successful ancient irrigation method still working today. All of it was built first and foremost based off of where the water source is located.

We have the opportunity to learn and grow from systems like these, integrating modern technology and design to enhance our daily lives. By doing so, we would improve the efficiency and sustainability of our food systems, providing more nutritious, affordable, and accessible food for everyone while creating a beautiful environment at the same time.

This video is the second in a series where Geoff takes us on a journey through Oman’s ancient water harvesting and irrigation systems. To follow his adventure, watch the following videos:

The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oman -    • The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oman  
The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oman; Birkat Al Mouz -    • The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oma...  
The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oman; Wadi Bani Khalid -    • The Ancient Irrigation Systems of Oma...  

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About Geoff:

Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer, and teacher that has established demonstration sites that function as education centers in all the world's major climates. Geoff has dedicated his life to spreading permaculture design across the globe and inspiring people to take care of the earth, each other and to return the surplus.

About Permaculture:

Permaculture integrates land, resources, people, and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no-waste, closed-loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts and at any scale. It is a multidisciplinary toolbox including agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy, natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics, and community development.

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