Effects of Land Use and Management on SoilHydraulic Properties

Abstract

Soil hydraulic properties are among the most importantparameters that determine soil quality and its capabilityto serve the ecosystem. Land use can significantlyinfluence soil properties, including its hydraulic conditions;however, additional factors, such as changes in climate(temperature and precipitation), can further influencethe land use effects on soil hydraulic properties. Inorder to develop possible adaptation measures and mitigateany negative effects of land use and climatic changes,it is important to study the impact of land use and changesin land use on soil hydraulic properties. In this paper,we summarize recent studies examining the effect of landuse/land cover and the associated changes in soil hydraulicproperties, mainly focusing on agricultural scenariosof cultivated croplands and different tillage systems.

Keywords

• land management
• land cover change
• infiltration
• tillage
• agriculture