HYDROLOGICAL IMPACT OF PINE SPECIES AND PLANTATION AGE IN THE SEMI-ARID MIXTECA ALTA, OAXACA.
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Abstract
Background: Rainfall redistribution by forest canopies is a key hydrological process influencing water availability in semi-arid ecosystems. However, information remains limited on how pine species and stand development affect rainfall partitioning in reforested landscapes of the Mixteca Alta region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study evaluated throughfall, stemflow, and interception in Pinus pseudostrobus and Pinus greggii plantations ranging from 6 to 56 years old.
Results: Rainfall partitioning was monitored throughout the rainy season using throughfall collectors and stemflow collars installed in seven pine plantations. Throughfall generally decreased with stand age, whereas interception increased as canopy development progressed. Pinus pseudostrobus consistently allowed greater throughfall and exhibited lower interception losses than P. greggii, particularly in younger stands. In contrast, P. greggii showed greater canopy retention of rainfall, reflecting differences in canopy structure and density. Stemflow contributed only a small proportion of total precipitation and declined with increasing stand age in both species. Log-linear models indicated significant relationships between incident precipitation and rainfall redistribution
components, while structural attributes such as crown diameter and basal area were associated with observed hydrological responses
Conclusions: Species identity and stand age significantly influenced rainfall partitioning in semi-arid pine plantations. The greater interception observed in older stands and in P. greggii highlights the importance of canopy structure in regulating water inputs to the forest floor. These findings provide useful guidance for species selection and reforestation planning aimed at sustaining hydrological
ecosystem services in water-limited environments.
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