Assessing land use effects on ecohydrological partitioning in the critical zone through isotope-aided modelling

Abstract

The study examines how different land uses impact ecohydrological processes in the critical zone, focusing on water partitioning between evaporation, transpiration, and groundwater recharge. Using stable water isotopes and a tracer-aided model called EcoIsoPlot, researchers analyzed water fluxes across forest, agroforestry, grassland, and arable land in the Demnitzer Millcreek Catchment in Germany. The results indicate that forests have the highest evapotranspiration rates, relying on deeper soil water for transpiration, while grasslands exhibit greater groundwater recharge and uptake of shallow soil water. Agroforestry appears to offer a sustainable balance between water consumption and economic feasibility. The study emphasizes the value of integrating stable isotope data into water management strategies to refine land use planning and improve communication among stakeholders. By demonstrating the effectiveness of isotope-aided modelling, the research suggests practical approaches to enhance the consistency of ecohydrological assessments and support evidence-based decision-making.