Water & Carbon - water balance & soil moisture budgets Flashcards
What is the water balance equation?
This equation is the balance between the inputs and outputs within a drainage basin and is used by hydrologists to plan for future water supply and flood control.
P = Q + E +/- S
P=Precipitation
Q=Run-off
E=Evapotranspiration
S=Changes in storage
What are the water balance conditions?
Water Surplus
Water Deficit
Recharge
Field capacity
Utilisation
What is water surplus?
Excess water available - soil is fully saturated, and any additional precipitation leads to excess water. This surplus water can result in surface runoff, increasing river discharge and potentially leading to flooding.
What is water deficit?
Less water within the system - evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation and soil moisture depleted. Can lead to falling river levels and water stress, and irrigation may be needed.
What is recharge?
When soil moisture is replenished by precipitation after a dry period - important to ensure the soil moisture levels are maintained.
What is field capacity?
The maximum amount of water that soil can hold before it becomes saturated.
What is utilisation?
The process by which plants use the available soil moisture. During this period, plants draw water from the soil to meet their needs. Monitoring utilisation helps in understanding plant water requirements and managing irrigation schedules.
