Water relations in a rubber-tree plantation of Piracicaba, SP

Abstract

A study of water relations of a rubber-tree plantation of 5 years age, established in southeast Brazil in 1984, shows changes in soil water content, soil water potential, root distribution, rainfall interception and runoff. Results show the narrow soil water storage range of "terra roxa estruturada" soil and the high correlation between soil water potential changes and root distribution. The plantation presents a root system with superficial roots (0-30cm) which extends to the projection of the tree tops, and deeper roots reaching depths greater than 2.5m. Soil profile did not present sub-surface runoff along the 10% slope but presented significant surface losses reaching 50% of rainfall in days when soil surface was very wet. Tree top rainfall interception did not exceed 5% of the rainfall.