Hydrophysical characteristics in water-repellent tropical Eucalyptus, Pine, and Casuarina plantation forest soils

Abstract Soil water repellency (SWR) reduces the rates of wetting in dry soils and is known to interfere with movement into as well within soils. The objective this study was investigate hydrophysical characteristics three water-repellent tropical exotic plantation forest wet seasons. sites were Eucalyptus grandis (EG), Pinus caribaea (PC), Casuarina equisetifolia (CE) located up-country intermediate zone (EG PC), low-country (CE). Field experiments conducted measure infiltration rate, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity ( k ), sorptivity S W ). Laboratory potential SWR entry value h we All showed higher season, where CE highest. EG highest season. Although all decreased increasing depth only a significant decrease soil Compared (–1 cm) lower However, did not show difference between Initial rate negative correlation contact angle Soils positive linear correlations , showing that surface absorption related both subsurface flow pressure. It clear hindered by SWR. High values season predict high potentials for intensified runoff topsoil erosion. Future research will be required on interactions biology properties such pore structure would influence