Until 1957 most of the Hula Valley was occupied by swampy wetland covered by dense vegetation and old Lake Hula. Organic matter was accumulated in the bottom, decomposed under anoxic conditions creating Peat material....Until 1957 most of the Hula Valley was occupied by swampy wetland covered by dense vegetation and old Lake Hula. Organic matter was accumulated in the bottom, decomposed under anoxic conditions creating Peat material. The wetland and the old lake were drained and the land-use was converted into agricultural development. Nutrients migrations from the Hula Valley through the headwater discharges carrying nutrients, where nitrogen enhancement is critical, significantly affecting water quality in down-stream Lake Kinneret. The fate of the Hula originated nutrients is partly known whilst fate of the others which might be probably a threat on the Kinneret water quality is unknown. The hypsometrical and spatial distribution of the Hula Valley originated nutrients within three depths level was indicated: shallowest level of surface water, intermediate level of underground water table and the deepest level of Lignite waters. The Hypsometrical and spatial distribution and regional origin of the nutrient in the Hula Valley was defined. Organic Nitrogen, Sulfate and Nitrates are mostly Hula Valley originated nutrients whilst most of the Phosphorus externally contributed to Lake Kinneret originate outside the Hula Valley. An underground north-south Hydrological gradient and nutrient migration along was indicated. It is suggested that an underground plastic barrier do not totally prevent horizontal nutrient migration. Hypsometrical downward migrated nutrients probably accumulate within the “Lignite” depth level. Management policy of increasing Peat Soil moisture, is recommended.展开更多
The main soil type, principle contributor of nutrients and available agricultural land in the Hula Valley is the organic Peat. Nevertheless, the relative contribution of Phosphorus from the Hula Valley to the Lake Kin...The main soil type, principle contributor of nutrients and available agricultural land in the Hula Valley is the organic Peat. Nevertheless, the relative contribution of Phosphorus from the Hula Valley to the Lake Kinneret inputs is lower than regional outsourcing. The Nitrogenic matter, mostly Nitrate migration from the Peat soil is significant. The implementation of efficient development is the key factor of Hula Land use. The financial beneficial success of the Hula land use is therefore dependent of Peat soil properties. The porosity of the Peat Soil is high and preferential pathway volume is low and Hydraulic Conductivity is therefore low. Consequently, the Mobile Spray Irrigation line was found as most suitable for cultivation in Peat Soil. Enhancement of Summer irrigation creating moisture elevation reduces Phosphorus migration from Peat Soil and is therefore recommended and recently implemented.展开更多
Until 1957, the Hula Valley was covered by swampy wetlands and a shallow lake, Lake Hula. In the 1950s, the valley was drained and 6000 ha of land was converted to agricultural development. Seven years later, the Nati...Until 1957, the Hula Valley was covered by swampy wetlands and a shallow lake, Lake Hula. In the 1950s, the valley was drained and 6000 ha of land was converted to agricultural development. Seven years later, the National Water Carrier was inaugurated, granting the only natural freshwater lake in Israel, Kinneret, a national drinking water reservoir function. Agricultural cultivation in the Hula Valley faced significant challenges. A reclamation project, the “Hula Project” (HP), was implemented. Thirty (1994-2024) years of HP management are summarized. TP and TN migration data from the Hula Valley southward into Lake Kinneret was approved as not threatening its water quality. During 40 years of post-drainage period underground fire, heavy dust storms were frequently followed by soil subsidence. Nevertheless, as a result of the HP renovated management, those nuisances faded away and significantly declined. Immediately after drainage, as a result of organic Peat oxidation, a great stock of nitrates in the upper layers was formed. Since the mid-1990s, when nitrogen deficiency was developed and Cyanobacteria replaced the bloom-forming Peridinium dominancy, surplus nitrate input has not threatened Kinneret water quality. The hydrological-eco-touristic component of the reclamation project (HP), Lake Agmon-Hula (LAH) became a successful tourist attraction and also an additional nutrient source through submerged vegetation. Two Peat soil areas of land have been denied: the central and the eastern blocks. Soil moisture enhancement, especially that of the Peat soil block, initiated the lowering of the TP migration range and consequently extra water allocation was assigned for summer irrigation (the “Peat Convention Agreement”). Surface, underground seepage and river discharge flows of freshwaters from the Golan Heights into the Hula valley diluted the concentration of migrated TP concentration contributed by the eastern Peat block.展开更多
The salinization process resulted in agricultural damage in the Hula Valley and water quality deterioration in Lake Kinneret. Therefore, salinization-desalinization (SDS) processes have been emphasized in the last two...The salinization process resulted in agricultural damage in the Hula Valley and water quality deterioration in Lake Kinneret. Therefore, salinization-desalinization (SDS) processes have been emphasized in the last two decades. Global and regional extreme climatological events and water scarcity strengthen the link between Hula Valley and Lake Kinneret management design. A bond between optimizing Hula agricultural maintenance and Kinneret water quality protection is conclusively suggested. Saline contribution originated from the southern Hula Valley region to the underground and surface water is higher than from the northern organic soil. The impact of eastern water Intrusion from the Golan Heights as surface waters, river discharge and underground seepage into the Hula Valley represent north-south gradient enhancement. Salinized surface water contribution from the Hula Valley to Lake Kinneret is unwanted because presently Kinneret desalinization management policy is critically required. The present salinization of surface and underground water in the Hula Valley indicates the upper limit suitable for agricultural crop optimization and the decline of salinity is crucial. Enhancement of the portion of Jordan water within the total balance in the valley is beneficial for Hula agricultural crops but serves as a disadvantage to Kinneret desalinization implementation. Therefore, the enhancement of lake water exchange is recommended.展开更多
Until the late 1950s the Hula Valley, located between altitude of 170 masl in the northern part and 61 masl in the southern part, was covered by the old shallow Lake Hula (1.5 m mean depth;1400 ha water surface);and 4...Until the late 1950s the Hula Valley, located between altitude of 170 masl in the northern part and 61 masl in the southern part, was covered by the old shallow Lake Hula (1.5 m mean depth;1400 ha water surface);and 4500 ha of swamps partly or permanently were water covered. During 1950-1957 the old Lake Hula and the wetlands were drained and converted into agricultural usage. As a result of inappropriate agricultural management, a reclamation project (Hula Project, HP, 1990-1997) was implemented. A vertical plastic sheet (4.5 m deep) was placed along 2.8 km across the valley aimed at reduction of pollutants migration. This plastic barrier divided the valley into northern, organic, and southern mineral soil blocks. The HP was aimed at agricultural renovation together with prevention of water quality deterioration in the downstream Lake Kinneret. The chemical composition of the underground waters was monitored on a monthly basis in 14 drills and ground water table observation wells over the valley during 14 months. The Ground Water Table (GWT) in the northern part of the valley was shallower than in the south and seasonal fluctuation amplitudes were smaller in the north. Higher levels of TP, TDP, P-Ortho and particulate Phosphorus, TN and ammonium were documented in the southern underground waters. The level of nutrient concentrations in the south was probably enhanced by three factors: 1) accumulation by underground water migration;2) eroded substances from the southern mineral soil;3) intensive Evapo-Transpiration in the south. Due to the lower level of organic content in the south and in spite of possible underground accumulation no significant difference between southern and northern blocks was indicated for Nitrate (NO3) concentrations. Not like nitrates, the reduced nitrogen form of ammonium concentration in the undergrounds was higher in the south. It was suggested that the nutrient concentrations (dissolved and suspended) in the Southern underground waters were higher than those in the North as a result of water migration, which took over the plastic barrier underneath and/or aside while moving from north to south was resulted by the hydraulic gradient. This gradient was partly due to the topographic slope and partly to the intensive Evapo-Transpiration in this part of the valley, which also contributed to the decline of GWT.展开更多
An ecological project is proposed for the system of Lake Agmon (Hula Valley, Israel). The project indicates a change of the original concept of the Hula Project construction. Practically Lake Agmon system was found to...An ecological project is proposed for the system of Lake Agmon (Hula Valley, Israel). The project indicates a change of the original concept of the Hula Project construction. Practically Lake Agmon system was found to remove negligible amounts of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from the Lake Kinneret budget. Moreover, Lake Kinneret ecosystem has undergone limnological changes. The P limited Kinneret system is currently N limited. Therefore reduction of P and enhancement of N from the Hula Valley outflow might be beneficial to the Kinneret ecosystem. Currently, the TN concentration in the Agmon outflow is lower than in its inflow and vice versa for P. Consequently, this paper recommends conveying peat soil drained waters, the Agmon inflow, directly to Lake Kinneret instead of letting the waters flow through Lake Agmon. Nitrogen reduction in Lake Agmon is due to de-nitrification and sedimentation and P increase is due to degradation of aquatic vegetation. Additional benefit of this change is the predicted improvement of the new infrastructure for the activity of aquatic birds aimed at eco-tourism improvement.展开更多
Long-Term (1946-2008) record of 35,580 measurements of daily mean air temperatures in three meteorological stations (Dan, Dafna, Kfar Blum) in the Hula Valley, within the drainage basin of Lake Kinneret (Israel) was s...Long-Term (1946-2008) record of 35,580 measurements of daily mean air temperatures in three meteorological stations (Dan, Dafna, Kfar Blum) in the Hula Valley, within the drainage basin of Lake Kinneret (Israel) was statistically evaluated. Temperature decline after the drainage of the old Lake Hula and adjacent wetlands (1958) and increase from the mid 1980’s, after the implementation of the Hula Project aimed at continuous land green cover were verified. It was suggested that those regional climate changes were due to the change of Albedo levels: lower when land was water covered and higher after regional drainage followed by a decline when vegetation cover became intensive and continuous. Decline of Albedo levels led to higher air temperature and vice versa.展开更多
The first decade of monitoring program in Lake Agmon (Hula Valley, Northern Israel) is summarized. The presented part of the program include: water discharges, physico-chemical (pH, EC, Temperature) and chemical param...The first decade of monitoring program in Lake Agmon (Hula Valley, Northern Israel) is summarized. The presented part of the program include: water discharges, physico-chemical (pH, EC, Temperature) and chemical parameters (TP, TN, TDN, TDP, NO<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>4</sub>, SO<sub>4</sub>, TDS, TSS,). It was found that Nitrogen concentrations decline from north to south and the opposite for Phosphorus. Resulting of re-suspension by wind direction of western-southern-eastern and averaged maximal velocities of 9 - 10 m/s is suggested. De-nitrification and particles sedimentation emphasize Lake Agmon as a sink for Nitrogen. Sulfate-Carbonates association and the production of precipitated Gypsum (CaSO<sub>4</sub>) highlight the sink property of Lake Agmon. Nevertheless Sulfate removal by the Lake Agmon hydrological system is significant.展开更多
Lake Agmon is a newly created shallow body of water which is a principle component of a reclamation project (Hula Project, HP) in the Hula Valley (Israel). The objectives of the HP are aimed at Lake Kinneret water qua...Lake Agmon is a newly created shallow body of water which is a principle component of a reclamation project (Hula Project, HP) in the Hula Valley (Israel). The objectives of the HP are aimed at Lake Kinneret water quality protection, and improvements of the hydrological, and agricultural managements within the entire Hula Valley including the eco-touristic quality of the Agmon site. Thirteen years of research and monitoring, are summarized by focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics. It was found that the decay of submerged vegetation was the major P contribution to the Agmon effluents as dissolved (TDP) and plant debris particle forms. Peat soil gypsum dissolution contribute sulfate to drained waters and consequently to Agmon outflows. The Agmon system is operated as a nitrogen sink by de-nitrification and particulate sedimentation and contributor of plant mediated phosphorus. In the reconstructed Jordan flows into the Agmon, a stable composition of nutrients was indicated but those of the peat drainage and the lake effluents represented the higher level in winter and lower in summer. Anoxic conditions in the water column enhancing sulfate reduction are negligible and rarely observed. The Agmon merit to the reclamation process was achieved.展开更多
The historical habitat of swamps and a lake in the Hula Valley was modified during the early 1950’s. The Swamps and the old Hula Lake were drained and the land was converted to an agricultural development. As a resul...The historical habitat of swamps and a lake in the Hula Valley was modified during the early 1950’s. The Swamps and the old Hula Lake were drained and the land was converted to an agricultural development. As a result of inappropriate cultivation, it was necessary to once more implement management improvement. It was done within the Hula Project. Part of the Hula Project was a modified usage of 10% of the area previously used for agriculture for eco-tourism. Independently, thousands of migratory Cranes attracted by peanut crop leftover started wintering in the valley. These bird flocks significantly improved the management objective to ensure prevention of nutrient flux into Lake Kinneret. Consequently, the partnerships between Kinneret water quality protection, nature conservation and agricultural utilization of the peat land is presently operated. Migratory wintered Cranes is a factor of management stability accompanied by costly artificial feeding for bird in a dedicated land block to prevent damage to adjacent crops.展开更多
Introduction: Eye injuries are common in sports and have the potential for major morbidity with sight threatening consequences. However, a small number of sports, such as soccer, rugby or hockey are responsible for mo...Introduction: Eye injuries are common in sports and have the potential for major morbidity with sight threatening consequences. However, a small number of sports, such as soccer, rugby or hockey are responsible for most injuries. To our knowledge, hula hoop penetrating eye injury is not described in literature. In this report, we present a case of an unusual eye injury caused by a hula hoop. Case presentation: A 17-year-old female was admitted as an urgent penetrating right eye injury caused by a hula hoop. Penetrating wound covered 2/3 of the cornea and was associated with iris prolapses and incarceration;iridodialysis of more than half of the circumference, and traumatic cataract. Her best corrected visual acuity of the right eye was “hand motion”. The second corneal wound in parallel with the first one was noticed while she was being treated surgically under general anesthesia. Iris was repositioned, anterior chamber was formed with the viscoelastic and wounds were repaired using 10-0 nylon sutures. Iridopexy was performed using straight needle 10-0 prolene, while standard cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were done. The postoperative recovery was uneventful beside elevated intraocular pressure (TOD = 24 mmHg) that was treated successfully by topical beta blockers. Six months later, her best corrected visual acuity was 0.6 stenopeic, with evident linear corneal opacification and traumatic mydriasis. Conclusions: Although seemingly impossible, hula hooping can be dangerous to the eyes if practiced in incommodious areas and close to other people.展开更多
Among several soil types in the Hula Valley,Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area,and Phosphorus is a critical constituent.Cultivation in the Hula Peat land is a critical achieveme...Among several soil types in the Hula Valley,Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area,and Phosphorus is a critical constituent.Cultivation in the Hula Peat land is a critical achievement,whereas phosphorus migration southward into Lake Kinneret is of national concern.Consequently,phosphorus resource sites and spatiotemporal distribution and fluctuations of phosphoric substances are critical for the design of effective management strategies.A long-term record(1994-2024)of spatiotemporal concentration fluctuations in relation to climate(rain capacity)conditions was statistically evaluated.Results emphasized soil moisture as a significant factor affecting phosphorus dynamics.This paper examines the impact of soil moisture on Phosphorus dynamics and management strategies in the post-drainage Hula Valley.The interplay between natural climate variability(rainfall fluctuations)and human activities(irrigation,fertilization)predominantly controls soil moisture levels and consequently affects Phosphorus migration.Four conceptual mechanisms of Phosphorus migration are discussed:Microbial Enzymatic Concept(MEC),Geochemical Moisture Redox Concept(MRC),Alternate Wetting Dryness Concept(WDC),and Agricultural Fertilization Concept(AFC).The previous Hula wetlands and old Lake Hula are present,after drainage,under agricultural management,in which allocation and supply of irrigated water and fertilization regimes are dictated by crop demands.The objective of this paper is to optimize the management design for cultivation practices and prevention of pollutant leakage into Lake Kinneret.展开更多
The Hula wetland and old Lake Hula drainage were completed in 1957,and the land was converted into agricultural use.However,the adoption of inappropriate irrigation methods led to several critical concerns,including t...The Hula wetland and old Lake Hula drainage were completed in 1957,and the land was converted into agricultural use.However,the adoption of inappropriate irrigation methods led to several critical concerns,including the oxidation of organic matter,frequent outbreaks of subsurface unsecured fire,soil surface subsidence and disruption of the hydrological system.Additionally,nitrogen mineralization created an accumulation of nitrate loads,which increased the risk of leaching into Lake Kinneret and deteriorating its water quality.The natural intrusion of gypsum into peat soil’s organic matter has contributed to increased levels of sulfate and calcium,enhancing soil salinization.Consequently,a reclamation project was implemented,the Hula Project(HP).The dependence of climate conditions and consequently soil moisture on Alkalinity(ALK),Total Dissolved Solids(TDS)and Sulfate(SO_(4))concentrations,Electrical Conductivity(EC),and pH properties within the Peat soil drained waters composition was documented.A temporal decline of ALk,TDS,SO_(4),EC,and,to a lesser extent,pH measures during 1994-2010 and an increase later were indicated.The nutrient migration dynamic is evaluated through spatial and temporal dimensions to confirm the dominant effect of soil wettability with negligible fluctuation of the pH values.展开更多
The drainage of the Hula wetlands and old“Lake Hula”was completed in the late 1950s.A significant area of land use was converted from its natural habitat to agricultural cultivation.Nevertheless,soil properties dete...The drainage of the Hula wetlands and old“Lake Hula”was completed in the late 1950s.A significant area of land use was converted from its natural habitat to agricultural cultivation.Nevertheless,soil properties deteriorated;conse-quently,40 years later,a land reclamation project was completed.A significant part of the reclamation project was the creation of a new shallow Lake Agmon-Hula(LAH).This shallow lake was a key component of the reclamation project,aimed at boosting tourism in the valley.Immediately after water filled the LAH,the adjacent land was invaded by both natural and reintroduced plant species.A follow-up program to monitor individual species and total biomass distribu-tion of submerged,emerged,and floating plants,along with their TP and TN content,was carried out routinely,accompanied by assessments of inflow and outflow(effluent)phosphorus and nitrogen sources in the LAH.The over-whelming presence of nitrogen and the limited availability of phosphorus for rooted plant uptake were concluded.Considering Liebig’s law,which states that plant growth is dictated by the scarcest resource,a contrasting result was found.The uptake of phosphorus,as the limiting factor,is preferred during biomass onset development,whereas it is transferred into LAH waters(measured as ef-fluent at Station 49)later on during the degradation of biomass.The limited nutrient is the most influential factor in enhancing its concentration in lake wa-ter through involvement in vegetation biomass dynamics.展开更多
The drainage of the Hula wetlands and old Lake Hula was completed in 1957.Agricultural development replaced the natural ecosystem land use with agricultural cultivation.The Hula pre-drainage anaerobic conditions were ...The drainage of the Hula wetlands and old Lake Hula was completed in 1957.Agricultural development replaced the natural ecosystem land use with agricultural cultivation.The Hula pre-drainage anaerobic conditions were replaced by organic matter oxidation and Sulfur and Nitrate carbonate enrichments.The ecosystem structure of highly diversified fauna and flora was devastated.During the post-drainage period,enhancement of accumulated carbonates and Gypsum(CaSO_(4))and organic matter oxidation created soil salinization and nitrate accumulation.Ammonia was oxidized to nitrate,and its accumulation was concerned to Kinneret water quality protection managers.Evaluation of long-term(1994-2024)study through monitoring program of the temporal and seasonal distributional pattern of Nitrate,Sulfate,pH,Alkalinity,and Electrical Conductivity within the Peat soil drained and pore-waters indicates soil moisture as the dominant impact factor which controls two geochemically independent coincide processes,nitrate migration and soil salinization.展开更多
Among several soil types in the Hula Valley,the Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area.Nitrogen compounds comprise a significant constituent of the chemical components.Cultivation i...Among several soil types in the Hula Valley,the Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area.Nitrogen compounds comprise a significant constituent of the chemical components.Cultivation in the Hula Peat land is a critical achievement,whereas nitrogen migration downwards into Lake Kinneret is of national concern.Therefore,sites of nitrogen resource location and spatial and temporal dispersion changes of nitrogenic compounds are critical for the design of effective management strategies.A long-term record(1994-2024)of temporal and spatial concentration fluctuations in relation to climate(rain capacity)conditions was statistically reevaluated.The indicated results emphasized soil moisture as the principal factor affecting nitrogen dynamics.This paper represents descriptively a first-class importance of an environmental factor-the fate and consequently management design of the nitrogen dynamics in the Hula Valley beyond wetlands drainage.The natural climate conditions(rainfall)and anthropogenic(irrigation)fluctuations predominate the soil moisture and consequently the fate of nitrogen.Nitrogen dynamics include nitrification,denitrification,nitrogen-fixation,and other nitrogenic processes.Most of the Hula Valley is under agricultural management and the irrigation regime is therefore affected by management control and its design,including water allocation.The outcome of this paper is therefore beneficial for both cultivation and the prevention of pollutant leaking into Lake Kinneret.展开更多
The Hula Valley was drained in 1957. The land use was modified from natural wetland and old shallow lake ecosystems to agricultural development. About half of the drained land area was utilized for aquaculture. Popula...The Hula Valley was drained in 1957. The land use was modified from natural wetland and old shallow lake ecosystems to agricultural development. About half of the drained land area was utilized for aquaculture. Population size was enhanced and the diary was developed intensively resulting in the enhancement of domestic and husbandry sewage production that increased as well. The natural intact Hula Valley-Lake Kinneret ecosystem was heavily anthropogenically interrupted: The Hula was drained and Kinneret became a national source for domestic water supply. Some aspects of the environmental and water quality protection policy of the system are presented. The causation and operational management implications for the reduction of Nitrogen and Phosphorus migration from the Hula Valley are discussed. Drastic (81%) restriction of aquaculture accompanied by sewage totally removed achieved a reasonable improvement in pollution control which was also supported by the Hula Project. The implications of anthropogenic intervention in the process of environmental management design are presented.展开更多
文摘Until 1957 most of the Hula Valley was occupied by swampy wetland covered by dense vegetation and old Lake Hula. Organic matter was accumulated in the bottom, decomposed under anoxic conditions creating Peat material. The wetland and the old lake were drained and the land-use was converted into agricultural development. Nutrients migrations from the Hula Valley through the headwater discharges carrying nutrients, where nitrogen enhancement is critical, significantly affecting water quality in down-stream Lake Kinneret. The fate of the Hula originated nutrients is partly known whilst fate of the others which might be probably a threat on the Kinneret water quality is unknown. The hypsometrical and spatial distribution of the Hula Valley originated nutrients within three depths level was indicated: shallowest level of surface water, intermediate level of underground water table and the deepest level of Lignite waters. The Hypsometrical and spatial distribution and regional origin of the nutrient in the Hula Valley was defined. Organic Nitrogen, Sulfate and Nitrates are mostly Hula Valley originated nutrients whilst most of the Phosphorus externally contributed to Lake Kinneret originate outside the Hula Valley. An underground north-south Hydrological gradient and nutrient migration along was indicated. It is suggested that an underground plastic barrier do not totally prevent horizontal nutrient migration. Hypsometrical downward migrated nutrients probably accumulate within the “Lignite” depth level. Management policy of increasing Peat Soil moisture, is recommended.
文摘The main soil type, principle contributor of nutrients and available agricultural land in the Hula Valley is the organic Peat. Nevertheless, the relative contribution of Phosphorus from the Hula Valley to the Lake Kinneret inputs is lower than regional outsourcing. The Nitrogenic matter, mostly Nitrate migration from the Peat soil is significant. The implementation of efficient development is the key factor of Hula Land use. The financial beneficial success of the Hula land use is therefore dependent of Peat soil properties. The porosity of the Peat Soil is high and preferential pathway volume is low and Hydraulic Conductivity is therefore low. Consequently, the Mobile Spray Irrigation line was found as most suitable for cultivation in Peat Soil. Enhancement of Summer irrigation creating moisture elevation reduces Phosphorus migration from Peat Soil and is therefore recommended and recently implemented.
文摘Until 1957, the Hula Valley was covered by swampy wetlands and a shallow lake, Lake Hula. In the 1950s, the valley was drained and 6000 ha of land was converted to agricultural development. Seven years later, the National Water Carrier was inaugurated, granting the only natural freshwater lake in Israel, Kinneret, a national drinking water reservoir function. Agricultural cultivation in the Hula Valley faced significant challenges. A reclamation project, the “Hula Project” (HP), was implemented. Thirty (1994-2024) years of HP management are summarized. TP and TN migration data from the Hula Valley southward into Lake Kinneret was approved as not threatening its water quality. During 40 years of post-drainage period underground fire, heavy dust storms were frequently followed by soil subsidence. Nevertheless, as a result of the HP renovated management, those nuisances faded away and significantly declined. Immediately after drainage, as a result of organic Peat oxidation, a great stock of nitrates in the upper layers was formed. Since the mid-1990s, when nitrogen deficiency was developed and Cyanobacteria replaced the bloom-forming Peridinium dominancy, surplus nitrate input has not threatened Kinneret water quality. The hydrological-eco-touristic component of the reclamation project (HP), Lake Agmon-Hula (LAH) became a successful tourist attraction and also an additional nutrient source through submerged vegetation. Two Peat soil areas of land have been denied: the central and the eastern blocks. Soil moisture enhancement, especially that of the Peat soil block, initiated the lowering of the TP migration range and consequently extra water allocation was assigned for summer irrigation (the “Peat Convention Agreement”). Surface, underground seepage and river discharge flows of freshwaters from the Golan Heights into the Hula valley diluted the concentration of migrated TP concentration contributed by the eastern Peat block.
文摘The salinization process resulted in agricultural damage in the Hula Valley and water quality deterioration in Lake Kinneret. Therefore, salinization-desalinization (SDS) processes have been emphasized in the last two decades. Global and regional extreme climatological events and water scarcity strengthen the link between Hula Valley and Lake Kinneret management design. A bond between optimizing Hula agricultural maintenance and Kinneret water quality protection is conclusively suggested. Saline contribution originated from the southern Hula Valley region to the underground and surface water is higher than from the northern organic soil. The impact of eastern water Intrusion from the Golan Heights as surface waters, river discharge and underground seepage into the Hula Valley represent north-south gradient enhancement. Salinized surface water contribution from the Hula Valley to Lake Kinneret is unwanted because presently Kinneret desalinization management policy is critically required. The present salinization of surface and underground water in the Hula Valley indicates the upper limit suitable for agricultural crop optimization and the decline of salinity is crucial. Enhancement of the portion of Jordan water within the total balance in the valley is beneficial for Hula agricultural crops but serves as a disadvantage to Kinneret desalinization implementation. Therefore, the enhancement of lake water exchange is recommended.
文摘Until the late 1950s the Hula Valley, located between altitude of 170 masl in the northern part and 61 masl in the southern part, was covered by the old shallow Lake Hula (1.5 m mean depth;1400 ha water surface);and 4500 ha of swamps partly or permanently were water covered. During 1950-1957 the old Lake Hula and the wetlands were drained and converted into agricultural usage. As a result of inappropriate agricultural management, a reclamation project (Hula Project, HP, 1990-1997) was implemented. A vertical plastic sheet (4.5 m deep) was placed along 2.8 km across the valley aimed at reduction of pollutants migration. This plastic barrier divided the valley into northern, organic, and southern mineral soil blocks. The HP was aimed at agricultural renovation together with prevention of water quality deterioration in the downstream Lake Kinneret. The chemical composition of the underground waters was monitored on a monthly basis in 14 drills and ground water table observation wells over the valley during 14 months. The Ground Water Table (GWT) in the northern part of the valley was shallower than in the south and seasonal fluctuation amplitudes were smaller in the north. Higher levels of TP, TDP, P-Ortho and particulate Phosphorus, TN and ammonium were documented in the southern underground waters. The level of nutrient concentrations in the south was probably enhanced by three factors: 1) accumulation by underground water migration;2) eroded substances from the southern mineral soil;3) intensive Evapo-Transpiration in the south. Due to the lower level of organic content in the south and in spite of possible underground accumulation no significant difference between southern and northern blocks was indicated for Nitrate (NO3) concentrations. Not like nitrates, the reduced nitrogen form of ammonium concentration in the undergrounds was higher in the south. It was suggested that the nutrient concentrations (dissolved and suspended) in the Southern underground waters were higher than those in the North as a result of water migration, which took over the plastic barrier underneath and/or aside while moving from north to south was resulted by the hydraulic gradient. This gradient was partly due to the topographic slope and partly to the intensive Evapo-Transpiration in this part of the valley, which also contributed to the decline of GWT.
文摘An ecological project is proposed for the system of Lake Agmon (Hula Valley, Israel). The project indicates a change of the original concept of the Hula Project construction. Practically Lake Agmon system was found to remove negligible amounts of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from the Lake Kinneret budget. Moreover, Lake Kinneret ecosystem has undergone limnological changes. The P limited Kinneret system is currently N limited. Therefore reduction of P and enhancement of N from the Hula Valley outflow might be beneficial to the Kinneret ecosystem. Currently, the TN concentration in the Agmon outflow is lower than in its inflow and vice versa for P. Consequently, this paper recommends conveying peat soil drained waters, the Agmon inflow, directly to Lake Kinneret instead of letting the waters flow through Lake Agmon. Nitrogen reduction in Lake Agmon is due to de-nitrification and sedimentation and P increase is due to degradation of aquatic vegetation. Additional benefit of this change is the predicted improvement of the new infrastructure for the activity of aquatic birds aimed at eco-tourism improvement.
文摘Long-Term (1946-2008) record of 35,580 measurements of daily mean air temperatures in three meteorological stations (Dan, Dafna, Kfar Blum) in the Hula Valley, within the drainage basin of Lake Kinneret (Israel) was statistically evaluated. Temperature decline after the drainage of the old Lake Hula and adjacent wetlands (1958) and increase from the mid 1980’s, after the implementation of the Hula Project aimed at continuous land green cover were verified. It was suggested that those regional climate changes were due to the change of Albedo levels: lower when land was water covered and higher after regional drainage followed by a decline when vegetation cover became intensive and continuous. Decline of Albedo levels led to higher air temperature and vice versa.
文摘The first decade of monitoring program in Lake Agmon (Hula Valley, Northern Israel) is summarized. The presented part of the program include: water discharges, physico-chemical (pH, EC, Temperature) and chemical parameters (TP, TN, TDN, TDP, NO<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>4</sub>, SO<sub>4</sub>, TDS, TSS,). It was found that Nitrogen concentrations decline from north to south and the opposite for Phosphorus. Resulting of re-suspension by wind direction of western-southern-eastern and averaged maximal velocities of 9 - 10 m/s is suggested. De-nitrification and particles sedimentation emphasize Lake Agmon as a sink for Nitrogen. Sulfate-Carbonates association and the production of precipitated Gypsum (CaSO<sub>4</sub>) highlight the sink property of Lake Agmon. Nevertheless Sulfate removal by the Lake Agmon hydrological system is significant.
文摘Lake Agmon is a newly created shallow body of water which is a principle component of a reclamation project (Hula Project, HP) in the Hula Valley (Israel). The objectives of the HP are aimed at Lake Kinneret water quality protection, and improvements of the hydrological, and agricultural managements within the entire Hula Valley including the eco-touristic quality of the Agmon site. Thirteen years of research and monitoring, are summarized by focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics. It was found that the decay of submerged vegetation was the major P contribution to the Agmon effluents as dissolved (TDP) and plant debris particle forms. Peat soil gypsum dissolution contribute sulfate to drained waters and consequently to Agmon outflows. The Agmon system is operated as a nitrogen sink by de-nitrification and particulate sedimentation and contributor of plant mediated phosphorus. In the reconstructed Jordan flows into the Agmon, a stable composition of nutrients was indicated but those of the peat drainage and the lake effluents represented the higher level in winter and lower in summer. Anoxic conditions in the water column enhancing sulfate reduction are negligible and rarely observed. The Agmon merit to the reclamation process was achieved.
文摘The historical habitat of swamps and a lake in the Hula Valley was modified during the early 1950’s. The Swamps and the old Hula Lake were drained and the land was converted to an agricultural development. As a result of inappropriate cultivation, it was necessary to once more implement management improvement. It was done within the Hula Project. Part of the Hula Project was a modified usage of 10% of the area previously used for agriculture for eco-tourism. Independently, thousands of migratory Cranes attracted by peanut crop leftover started wintering in the valley. These bird flocks significantly improved the management objective to ensure prevention of nutrient flux into Lake Kinneret. Consequently, the partnerships between Kinneret water quality protection, nature conservation and agricultural utilization of the peat land is presently operated. Migratory wintered Cranes is a factor of management stability accompanied by costly artificial feeding for bird in a dedicated land block to prevent damage to adjacent crops.
文摘Introduction: Eye injuries are common in sports and have the potential for major morbidity with sight threatening consequences. However, a small number of sports, such as soccer, rugby or hockey are responsible for most injuries. To our knowledge, hula hoop penetrating eye injury is not described in literature. In this report, we present a case of an unusual eye injury caused by a hula hoop. Case presentation: A 17-year-old female was admitted as an urgent penetrating right eye injury caused by a hula hoop. Penetrating wound covered 2/3 of the cornea and was associated with iris prolapses and incarceration;iridodialysis of more than half of the circumference, and traumatic cataract. Her best corrected visual acuity of the right eye was “hand motion”. The second corneal wound in parallel with the first one was noticed while she was being treated surgically under general anesthesia. Iris was repositioned, anterior chamber was formed with the viscoelastic and wounds were repaired using 10-0 nylon sutures. Iridopexy was performed using straight needle 10-0 prolene, while standard cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were done. The postoperative recovery was uneventful beside elevated intraocular pressure (TOD = 24 mmHg) that was treated successfully by topical beta blockers. Six months later, her best corrected visual acuity was 0.6 stenopeic, with evident linear corneal opacification and traumatic mydriasis. Conclusions: Although seemingly impossible, hula hooping can be dangerous to the eyes if practiced in incommodious areas and close to other people.
基金supported by the Migal-Galilee Scientific Research Institute.
文摘Among several soil types in the Hula Valley,Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area,and Phosphorus is a critical constituent.Cultivation in the Hula Peat land is a critical achievement,whereas phosphorus migration southward into Lake Kinneret is of national concern.Consequently,phosphorus resource sites and spatiotemporal distribution and fluctuations of phosphoric substances are critical for the design of effective management strategies.A long-term record(1994-2024)of spatiotemporal concentration fluctuations in relation to climate(rain capacity)conditions was statistically evaluated.Results emphasized soil moisture as a significant factor affecting phosphorus dynamics.This paper examines the impact of soil moisture on Phosphorus dynamics and management strategies in the post-drainage Hula Valley.The interplay between natural climate variability(rainfall fluctuations)and human activities(irrigation,fertilization)predominantly controls soil moisture levels and consequently affects Phosphorus migration.Four conceptual mechanisms of Phosphorus migration are discussed:Microbial Enzymatic Concept(MEC),Geochemical Moisture Redox Concept(MRC),Alternate Wetting Dryness Concept(WDC),and Agricultural Fertilization Concept(AFC).The previous Hula wetlands and old Lake Hula are present,after drainage,under agricultural management,in which allocation and supply of irrigated water and fertilization regimes are dictated by crop demands.The objective of this paper is to optimize the management design for cultivation practices and prevention of pollutant leakage into Lake Kinneret.
基金supported by the MIGAL-Galilee Scientific Research Institute.
文摘The Hula wetland and old Lake Hula drainage were completed in 1957,and the land was converted into agricultural use.However,the adoption of inappropriate irrigation methods led to several critical concerns,including the oxidation of organic matter,frequent outbreaks of subsurface unsecured fire,soil surface subsidence and disruption of the hydrological system.Additionally,nitrogen mineralization created an accumulation of nitrate loads,which increased the risk of leaching into Lake Kinneret and deteriorating its water quality.The natural intrusion of gypsum into peat soil’s organic matter has contributed to increased levels of sulfate and calcium,enhancing soil salinization.Consequently,a reclamation project was implemented,the Hula Project(HP).The dependence of climate conditions and consequently soil moisture on Alkalinity(ALK),Total Dissolved Solids(TDS)and Sulfate(SO_(4))concentrations,Electrical Conductivity(EC),and pH properties within the Peat soil drained waters composition was documented.A temporal decline of ALk,TDS,SO_(4),EC,and,to a lesser extent,pH measures during 1994-2010 and an increase later were indicated.The nutrient migration dynamic is evaluated through spatial and temporal dimensions to confirm the dominant effect of soil wettability with negligible fluctuation of the pH values.
基金supported by the MIGAL-Galilee Scientific Research InstituteNature Protection AssociationHula Project,monitor program,Migal,Galilee Scientific Research Institute,Keren Kayemet Le’Israel(Jewish National Fund),and Israel National Water Authority,Kiryat Shmone。
文摘The drainage of the Hula wetlands and old“Lake Hula”was completed in the late 1950s.A significant area of land use was converted from its natural habitat to agricultural cultivation.Nevertheless,soil properties deteriorated;conse-quently,40 years later,a land reclamation project was completed.A significant part of the reclamation project was the creation of a new shallow Lake Agmon-Hula(LAH).This shallow lake was a key component of the reclamation project,aimed at boosting tourism in the valley.Immediately after water filled the LAH,the adjacent land was invaded by both natural and reintroduced plant species.A follow-up program to monitor individual species and total biomass distribu-tion of submerged,emerged,and floating plants,along with their TP and TN content,was carried out routinely,accompanied by assessments of inflow and outflow(effluent)phosphorus and nitrogen sources in the LAH.The over-whelming presence of nitrogen and the limited availability of phosphorus for rooted plant uptake were concluded.Considering Liebig’s law,which states that plant growth is dictated by the scarcest resource,a contrasting result was found.The uptake of phosphorus,as the limiting factor,is preferred during biomass onset development,whereas it is transferred into LAH waters(measured as ef-fluent at Station 49)later on during the degradation of biomass.The limited nutrient is the most influential factor in enhancing its concentration in lake wa-ter through involvement in vegetation biomass dynamics.
基金supported by the Migal-Galilee Scientific Research Institute.
文摘The drainage of the Hula wetlands and old Lake Hula was completed in 1957.Agricultural development replaced the natural ecosystem land use with agricultural cultivation.The Hula pre-drainage anaerobic conditions were replaced by organic matter oxidation and Sulfur and Nitrate carbonate enrichments.The ecosystem structure of highly diversified fauna and flora was devastated.During the post-drainage period,enhancement of accumulated carbonates and Gypsum(CaSO_(4))and organic matter oxidation created soil salinization and nitrate accumulation.Ammonia was oxidized to nitrate,and its accumulation was concerned to Kinneret water quality protection managers.Evaluation of long-term(1994-2024)study through monitoring program of the temporal and seasonal distributional pattern of Nitrate,Sulfate,pH,Alkalinity,and Electrical Conductivity within the Peat soil drained and pore-waters indicates soil moisture as the dominant impact factor which controls two geochemically independent coincide processes,nitrate migration and soil salinization.
基金supported by Migal-Galilee Scientific Research Institute.
文摘Among several soil types in the Hula Valley,the Peat soil occupies a significant part of the agricultural cultivation area.Nitrogen compounds comprise a significant constituent of the chemical components.Cultivation in the Hula Peat land is a critical achievement,whereas nitrogen migration downwards into Lake Kinneret is of national concern.Therefore,sites of nitrogen resource location and spatial and temporal dispersion changes of nitrogenic compounds are critical for the design of effective management strategies.A long-term record(1994-2024)of temporal and spatial concentration fluctuations in relation to climate(rain capacity)conditions was statistically reevaluated.The indicated results emphasized soil moisture as the principal factor affecting nitrogen dynamics.This paper represents descriptively a first-class importance of an environmental factor-the fate and consequently management design of the nitrogen dynamics in the Hula Valley beyond wetlands drainage.The natural climate conditions(rainfall)and anthropogenic(irrigation)fluctuations predominate the soil moisture and consequently the fate of nitrogen.Nitrogen dynamics include nitrification,denitrification,nitrogen-fixation,and other nitrogenic processes.Most of the Hula Valley is under agricultural management and the irrigation regime is therefore affected by management control and its design,including water allocation.The outcome of this paper is therefore beneficial for both cultivation and the prevention of pollutant leaking into Lake Kinneret.
文摘The Hula Valley was drained in 1957. The land use was modified from natural wetland and old shallow lake ecosystems to agricultural development. About half of the drained land area was utilized for aquaculture. Population size was enhanced and the diary was developed intensively resulting in the enhancement of domestic and husbandry sewage production that increased as well. The natural intact Hula Valley-Lake Kinneret ecosystem was heavily anthropogenically interrupted: The Hula was drained and Kinneret became a national source for domestic water supply. Some aspects of the environmental and water quality protection policy of the system are presented. The causation and operational management implications for the reduction of Nitrogen and Phosphorus migration from the Hula Valley are discussed. Drastic (81%) restriction of aquaculture accompanied by sewage totally removed achieved a reasonable improvement in pollution control which was also supported by the Hula Project. The implications of anthropogenic intervention in the process of environmental management design are presented.
