Recharge assessment in the context of expanding agricultural activity: Urucuia Aquifer System, western State of Bahia, Brazil

Groundwater recharge rate estimation is crucial to sustainable development of aquifers in intensely pumped regions, such as the Urucuia Aquifer System (UAS). A sedimentary aquifer Western Bahia, Brazil, that underlies one major agricultural areas country where there has been growth irrigated areas. This study seeks evaluate component water budget UAS area, based on three complementary techniques. The double-ring infiltrometer test was used surface infiltration capacity, an important control recharge. Water level data from wells (2011–2019 period, 19 wells) Brazilian Geological Survey's Integrated Monitoring Network (RIMAS-CPRM) estimate using table fluctuation (WTF) method. Additionally, this Soil Assessment Tool (SWAT) model two selected sub-basins deep hydrological data. results tests show a notable difference rates between natural vegetation zones and cropped WTF SWAT simulations suggest similar ranges (an average 24% precipitation, both methods). Results indicate equivalence these methods unconfined UAS.