Abstract
Non‐rainfall water inputs (NRWIs) are the least studied hydrological components in most ecosystems. These NRWI components potentially play an important role in ecosystem dynamics and are particularly important for water‐limited systems. In this review, we summarized recent advances investigating the effects of NRWIs on various ecosystem functions, including vegetation‐water relations, biogeochemical cycling, groundwater recharge, as well as reptile and invertebrate adaptations. We also identified key knowledge gaps such as the mechanisms of NRWIs alleviating vegetation water stress, sources of the NRWI components and their quantitative contributions to ecosystem functions. To better predict the ecosystem responses to climate change especially in drylands, a better understanding and quantification of NRWI contributions is essential. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1179. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1179This article is categorized under: Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems Science of Water > Hydrological Processes Science of Water > Water Extremes
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.