Positive Effects of Scattered Trees on Soil Water Dynamics in a Pasture Landscape in the Tropics

As a result of canopy interception and transpiration, trees are often assumed to have negative effects on the local hydrological budget resulting in reduced soil groundwater resources. However, it has also been shown that can positive through reducing surface run-off improving infiltrability recharge, especially many tropical ecosystems characterized by high rain intensity degradation-prone soils. In this study, we used isotopic measurements water better understand main processes which influence dynamics within pasture with scattered tree cover Copan River catchment, Honduras. We determined stable isotope signature xylem grasses assess potential competition for sources during wet dry seasons. During season, when availability was not limiting, both primarily utilized near (i.e., 0–10 cm). contrast, observed niche partitioning resources where moisture at deeper depth 90–100 cm) while relied heavily groundwater. Moreover, data suggest reduce evaporative losses from surface, as indicated lack correlation between content lc-excess (line condition excess) values under trees, enhance preferential flow suggested less compared open areas season. Taken together, our findings provide further support balance implication landscape management, promoting inclusion ecosystem services silvopastoral systems, adding other like biodiversity or carbon sequestration.