Hydrological Variability in Indian Forest Ecosystem: Analysis of Drought Resilience, Recovery and Water Use Efficiency in Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests

This study investigates precipitation trends and drought dynamics in Moist Deciduous Forests (MDF) and Dry Deciduous Forests (DDF) over twenty years (2001–2020), with a focus on water use efficiency (WUE). Utilizing the Mann–Kendall test (MK-test), seasonal precipitation trends were analyzed, revealing nuanced patterns across forest types and seasons. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) approach was adopted to identify drought and non-drought/normal conditions. Additionally, MODIS-derived WUE dynamics were scrutinized during drought and non-drought periods to understand ecosystem responses to hydrological challenges. CHIRPS precipitation data was employed for seasonal Mann–Kendall (MK) tests, uncovering distinct trends and identification of drought and non-drought periods in MDF and DDF. The results indicate a decreasing trend in precipitation from January to May in MDF, while DDF shows no significant trend over the twenty years. The drought period (July–December of 2002) and (June-December of 2008) and the non-drought period (July–December of 2012) and (June–December of 2012) were identified for MDF and DDF, respectively. Analysis of WUE during these periods revealed resilient and resistant forest types. This study highlights the importance of understanding ecosystem responses to hydrological variability for informed forest management and conservation. The findings underline that MDF and DDF exhibit different responses to drought periods, reflecting their unique ecological attributes and environmental contexts. MDF demonstrates resilience to drought, with decreasing precipitation trends and sustained WUE during dry periods, while DDF displays resistance, characterized by reduced evapotranspiration rates and increased WUE. These empirical insights emphasize the need to comprehend diverse responses and adaptations within forest ecosystems to develop effective management and conservation strategies in the face of evolving climatic dynamics.