Effects of Afforestation on Water Yield: A Global Synthesis with Implications for Policy

Effects of Afforestation on Water Yield: A Global Synthesis with Implications for Policy

background

This study synthesizes data  from global studies on reforested and afforested areas and compares these to grassland and shrubland areas. In particular, the authors measure response to water runoff.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The study shows that in afforested  grassland or shrubland areas, water runoff decreases due to increased tree evapotranspiration. The absolute amount of runoff decrease is greatest in high-rainfall (rainforest) areas, while this change is less pronounced in drier regions. However, this decrease represents a greater percentage of the water budget in drier areas, suggesting that greater forest cover may have significant impacts on water resources in dry forest areas.

 

Reference: 

Farley KA, Jobbagy EG, Jackson RB. Effects of afforestation on water yield: a global synthesis with implications for policy. Global Change Biology. 2005;11:1565–1576. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.01011.x.

Affiliation: 

  • Center on Global Change, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
  • Department of Biology and Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
  • Grupo de Estudios Ambientales – IMASL, Universidad Nacional de San Luis & CONICET, San Luis, Argentina