A process-based numerical approach to estimate forest groundwater consumption in flatland petrocalcic soils

Abstract Grasslands are extensively distributed in flatland areas around the world, such as the Pampas in South America. It is one of the most economically productive landscapes and, as in other regions, they are being replaced by forests at increasing rates. Soil salinization emerges as a negative...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of hydroinformatics Vol. 21; no. 6; pp. 1130 - 1146
Main Authors Mujica, C. R., Milione, G. M., Bea, S. A., Gyenge, J. E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London IWA Publishing 01.11.2019
Subjects
Aquifers
Atmospheric models
Biological activity
Boundary conditions
Carbon sequestration
Forests
Grasslands
Groundwater
Hydraulics
Hydrology
Mathematical models
Modelling
Plantations
Rain
Rain water
Risk assessment
Salinization
Soil salinity
Soil salinization
Soil sciences
Soils
Stream water
Transpiration
Trees
Water consumption
Water deficit
Watersheds
United States > US
Argentina
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Summary:Abstract Grasslands are extensively distributed in flatland areas around the world, such as the Pampas in South America. It is one of the most economically productive landscapes and, as in other regions, they are being replaced by forests at increasing rates. Soil salinization emerges as a negative consequence associated with water deficit and forest groundwater consumption (∼250–500 mm/yr, in this region). An assessment of forest groundwater consumption is crucial for risk evaluation of soil salinization on flatland environments. For this aim, numerical modeling based on physical/biological processes and atmospheric boundary conditions was successfully applied in monitored grassland and afforested plots. Modeling results suggested a partial hydraulic disconnection between forest and phreatic aquifer due to the presence of petrocalcic horizons. Forest transpiration estimates were approximately 13% of total groundwater usage. Forest water consumption was then restricted to that soil portions above the petrocalcic horizons. Estimated forest transpiration rates (∼723 mm/yr) were similar to and even exceeded those reported in salinized sites with similar features. However, the risk of salinization of these soils was unlikely, because forest transpiration was restricted to the upper soil portions filled with fresh rainwater. The petrocalcic horizon retained water and prevented both deep drainage and, indirectly, soil salinization.
ISSN:1464-7141
1465-1734
DOI:10.2166/hydro.2019.093