Qanat irrigation systems as important and ingenious agricultural heritage: Case study of the qanats of Kashan, Iran

Abstract

The technology related to the construction and use of qanats has been in use in Iran for at least 2000 years. Qanats in Iran are more than just a way of using groundwater; they represent a unique system illustrating use of indigenous knowledge for sustainable management of land, water, and agricultural biodiversity through strong collaborative work among sustainable agricultural communities. The paper reviews the system and focuses on Kashan. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.