Yanwen Bai , Katsutoshi Seki , Qingfeng Zhang , Yujie Hu , Li Wang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In arid and semi-arid regions, vadose zone thickness strongly influences precipitation infiltration and groundwater recharge, both increasingly affected by climate-driven shifts in rainfall patterns. However, its influence on soil water dynamics and groundwater recharge in plantation ecosystems remains inadequately understood. This study, conducted in the Mu Us Sandy Land of China, monitored stable isotopes, soil water, and groundwater levels over two years across three Mongolian pine plantations. These sites had different initial groundwater depths: 4 m (downland), 9 m (midland), and 13 m (upland). Key findings include: (1) Downland exhibited significantly greater mean soil water content (SWC) in the middle and deep soil layers than in the midland and upland (p < 0.05). (2) The soil desiccation index was higher in the midland and upland than in the downland. SWC increased in the upper and middle layers from the dry to the rainy season, but deep SWC decreased in the upland. (3) Rainfall events ≥20 mm day−1 replenish deep SWC in the downland, whereas ≥30 mm day−1 was required in the midland and upland. (4) In 2022, precipitation was more concentrated in ≥10 mm·day−1 events, totaling 311 mm (74.5 % of the annual total), and produced greater groundwater recharge than in 2023, when such events accounted for only 190 mm (56.5 %). These findings demonstrate that vadose zone thickness and rainfall intensity thresholds critically control groundwater recharge—a process further modulated by Mongolian pine plantations. Therefore, integrating these factors into management strategies is essential for sustainable groundwater conservation in arid regions.
期刊介绍:
Groundwater for Sustainable Development is directed to different stakeholders and professionals, including government and non-governmental organizations, international funding agencies, universities, public water institutions, public health and other public/private sector professionals, and other relevant institutions. It is aimed at professionals, academics and students in the fields of disciplines such as: groundwater and its connection to surface hydrology and environment, soil sciences, engineering, ecology, microbiology, atmospheric sciences, analytical chemistry, hydro-engineering, water technology, environmental ethics, economics, public health, policy, as well as social sciences, legal disciplines, or any other area connected with water issues. The objectives of this journal are to facilitate: • The improvement of effective and sustainable management of water resources across the globe. • The improvement of human access to groundwater resources in adequate quantity and good quality. • The meeting of the increasing demand for drinking and irrigation water needed for food security to contribute to a social and economically sound human development. • The creation of a global inter- and multidisciplinary platform and forum to improve our understanding of groundwater resources and to advocate their effective and sustainable management and protection against contamination. • Interdisciplinary information exchange and to stimulate scientific research in the fields of groundwater related sciences and social and health sciences required to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development.