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An optimality-based model of the coupled soil moisture and root dynamics

Schymanski, S. J., Sivapalan, M., Roderick, M. L., Beringer, Jason and Hutley, Lindsay B. (2008). An optimality-based model of the coupled soil moisture and root dynamics. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences,12(3):913-932.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 73195523xPUB35
Title An optimality-based model of the coupled soil moisture and root dynamics
Author Schymanski, S. J.
Sivapalan, M.
Roderick, M. L.
Beringer, Jason
Hutley, Lindsay B.
Journal Name Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Publication Date 2008
Volume Number 12
Issue Number 3
ISSN 1027-5606   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-49149131909
Start Page 913
End Page 932
Total Pages 20
Place of Publication Germany
Publisher Copernicus Publications
Field of Research 0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
0905 - Civil Engineering
0907 - Environmental Engineering
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract The main processes determining soil moisture dynamics are infiltration, percolation, evaporation and root water uptake. Modelling soil moisture dynamics therefore requires an interdisciplinary approach that links hydrological, atmospheric and biological processes. Previous approaches treat either root water uptake rates or root distributions and transpiration rates as given, and calculate the soil moisture dynamics based on the theory of flow in unsaturated media. The present study introduces a different approach to linking soil water and vegetation dynamics, based on vegetation optimality. Assuming that plants have evolved mechanisms that minimise costs related to the maintenance of the root system while meeting their demand for water, we develop a model that dynamically adjusts the vertical root distribution in the soil profile to meet this objective. The model was used to compute the soil moisture dynamics, root water uptake and fine root respiration in a tropical savanna over 12 months, and the results were compared with observations at the site and with a model based on a fixed root distribution. The optimality-based model reproduced the main features of the observations such as a shift of roots from the shallow soil in the wet season to the deeper soil in the dry season and substantial root water uptake during the dry season. At the same time, simulated fine root respiration rates never exceeded the upper envelope determined by the observed soil respiration. The model based on a fixed root distribution, in contrast, failed to explain the magnitude of water use during parts of the dry season and largely over-estimated root respiration rates. The observed surface soil moisture dynamics were also better reproduced by the optimality-based model than the model based on a prescribed root distribution. The optimality-based approach has the potential to reduce the number of unknowns in a model (e.g. the vertical root distribution), which makes it a valuable alternative to more empirically-based approaches, especially for simulating possible responses to environmental change.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-12-913-2008   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)


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