Abstract
A detailed knowledge of soil water repellency (SWR) and water infiltration capacity of soils under different land uses is of fundamental importance in Mediterranean areas, since these areas are prone to soil degradation risks (e.g., erosion, runoff of polluting compounds) as a response to different hydrological processes. The present study evaluates the effects of land uses on SWR and soil hydraulic conductivity (SHC) by direct measurements at the plot scale in three areas representing (1) intensive agricultural use, (2) abandoned farmland, and (3) a forest ecosystem in Southern Spain under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The physico-chemical properties and water content of the experimental soils were also measured. Significant SWR and SHC differences were found among the analyzed land uses. Forest soils showed high SWR and low SHC, while the reverse effects (that is, low SWR and high SHC) were detected in soils subjected to intensive agriculture. Organic matter and bulk density were important soil properties influencing SWR and SHC. The study, demonstrating how land uses can have important effects on the hydrological characteristics of soils, give land managers insights into the choice of the most suitable land use planning strategies in view of facing the high runoff and erosion rates typical of the Mediterranean areas.
Highlights
IntroductionMediterranean areas are very prone to soil degradation risks (e.g., surface runoff, erosion, transport of nutrients and other polluting compounds): the soils are generally shallow with low levels of organic matter, low aggregate stability, and nutrient content [1], and the climate is characterized by frequent and intense rainstorms producing a high magnitude of flash floods with high erosive power [2]
Mediterranean areas are very prone to soil degradation risks: the soils are generally shallow with low levels of organic matter, low aggregate stability, and nutrient content [1], and the climate is characterized by frequent and intense rainstorms producing a high magnitude of flash floods with high erosive power [2]
This study evaluates the effects of land use on soil water repellency (SWR) and soil hydraulic conductivity (SHC) by direct measurements at the plot scale in three areas representing (1) intensive agricultural use, (2) abandoned farmland, and
Summary
Mediterranean areas are very prone to soil degradation risks (e.g., surface runoff, erosion, transport of nutrients and other polluting compounds): the soils are generally shallow with low levels of organic matter, low aggregate stability, and nutrient content [1], and the climate is characterized by frequent and intense rainstorms producing a high magnitude of flash floods with high erosive power [2]. This combination of soil type and climate leads to a peculiar hydrological response with high runoff rates that have high erosive power. Agriculture, when intensive and subject to frequent tillage operations, may strongly affect the physico-chemical properties of soil, making it more prone to erosion and quality decay
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