Natural Resources Research Articles
Characterisation of a windbreak system on the south coast of Western Australia. 3. Soil water and hydrology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-15-2002
Journal Title
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture
ISSN
ISSN :1446-5574
Keywords
Soil water storage, Ground water, Evapotranspiration, Waterlogging
Disciplines
Agricultural Science | Agriculture | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Atmospheric Sciences | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Soil Science | Water Resource Management
Abstract
This paper describes changes in soil water and ground water at various distances from a Pinus pinaster windbreak in south-western Australia. Soil water contents were measured by neutron moisture meter and time domain reflectometry at distances from a windbreak ranging from 1 to 20 tree heights (H). Within 3 H of the windbreak, soil water storage was reduced by 100–153 mm/1.8 m when compared to unsheltered conditions (20 H) over the 4 years of the experiment. Beyond 3 H, no significant differences in soil water storage were found which could be related to microclimate modification. Relationships between surface soil water storage (mm/0.4 m) at <6 H and 12–24 H were 1 : 1 regardless of the technique used. Similarly, soil water depletion within the crop rootzone (mm/0.6 m) was similar at distances >3 H. Reductions in the depth and duration of perched water levels occurred within 4 H of the windbreak. Despite this, the windbreaks had no effect on the regional ground-water levels.
Recommended Citation
Hall D. J. M. , Sudmeyer R. A. , McLernon C. K. Short R. J. (2002) Characterisation of a windbreak system on the south coast of Western Australia. 3. Soil water and hydrology . Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 42, 729-738.
