Onset of deep drainage and salt mobilization following forest clearing and cultivation in the Chaco plains (Argentina)

Abstract

moisture content and 94% lower chloride stocks compared to dry forest (0.05 6 0.04 kg/m 2 versus 0.77 6 0.4 kg/m 2 ). Estimates of groundwater recharge based on the displacement of chloride peaks suggested values of 27–87 mm yr � 1 for agricultural soybean stands, and 10.4 mm yr � 1 for pastures. While hydrological shifts in the regional groundwater system are poorly monitored and understood, our findings show that it is potentially sensitive to land use changes and to salinization processes.