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<p>Deep-rooted trees in native forests and silvicultural systems strongly influence evapotranspiration (ET) dynamics and aquifer recharge. This study synthesizes current scientific evidence on how land use change and plant root system characteristics affect evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge in tropical aquifers. Based on an integrative review of the international scientific literature, 3,671 publications were analyzed, of which 116 were selected according to thematic relevance and methodological quality. The selected studies were organized into two main themes: (i) impacts of land use on the water balance, and (ii) the influence of deep-rooted vegetation on ET dynamics and recharge. Results indicate that forests often reduce recharge relative to pastures, particularly in humid climates (10–30%) and semi-arid regions (70%), mainly due to higher evapotranspiration and root water uptake. However, recent studies highlight hydraulic redistribution and enhanced vertical soil connectivity promoted by root-induced macropores may increase infiltration and recharge even under high-ET conditions. Agroforestry systems and conservation practices, including no-till, also improve soil structure, moisture retention, and infiltration. Thus, although classical literature often associates forests with reduced recharge, recent evidence reveals contrasting outcomes, including reports of spring recovery in reforested areas. Recharge magnitude depends on soil properties, vegetation type, climate, management, and root traits, indicating that forest–recharge relationships are strongly context dependent. These findings have direct implications for sustainable land use planning and groundwater resource management in tropical environments.</p>

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Aquifer recharge: unpacking the impact of deep roots and land use

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月7日

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  • Carolina Fernanda dos Santos,
  • Isabela Hirata

摘要

Deep-rooted trees in native forests and silvicultural systems strongly influence evapotranspiration (ET) dynamics and aquifer recharge. This study synthesizes current scientific evidence on how land use change and plant root system characteristics affect evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge in tropical aquifers. Based on an integrative review of the international scientific literature, 3,671 publications were analyzed, of which 116 were selected according to thematic relevance and methodological quality. The selected studies were organized into two main themes: (i) impacts of land use on the water balance, and (ii) the influence of deep-rooted vegetation on ET dynamics and recharge. Results indicate that forests often reduce recharge relative to pastures, particularly in humid climates (10–30%) and semi-arid regions (70%), mainly due to higher evapotranspiration and root water uptake. However, recent studies highlight hydraulic redistribution and enhanced vertical soil connectivity promoted by root-induced macropores may increase infiltration and recharge even under high-ET conditions. Agroforestry systems and conservation practices, including no-till, also improve soil structure, moisture retention, and infiltration. Thus, although classical literature often associates forests with reduced recharge, recent evidence reveals contrasting outcomes, including reports of spring recovery in reforested areas. Recharge magnitude depends on soil properties, vegetation type, climate, management, and root traits, indicating that forest–recharge relationships are strongly context dependent. These findings have direct implications for sustainable land use planning and groundwater resource management in tropical environments.