Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Characterisation of a windbreak system on the south coast of Western Australia. 3. Soil water and hydrology

D. J. M. Hall, R. A. Sudmeyer, C. K. McLernon and R. J. Short

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 42(6) 729 - 738
Published: 15 October 2002

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.

Keywords: soil water storage, ground water, evapotranspiration, waterlogging.

https://doi.org/10.1071/EA02009

© CSIRO 2002

Committee on Publication Ethics


Export Citation Get Permission

View Dimensions