Impact of Plantation Forestry on Water Yields
Abstract
Development and Application of an Operational model to Assess the Impact of Plantation Forestry on Water Yields
The economic and environmental benefits offered by plantation forestry are well recognised. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that reafforestation of existing grassland areas is likely to reduce stream flow because evapotranspiration rates are higher from forests. With competing demands for water, it is important that resource managers be equipped with suitable tools to plan and manage such plantations with due consideration of their potential impacts on water yield.
This paper describes the development and application of a numerical model specifically for this purpose. The model is capable of simulation average annual changes in catchment yield resulting from changes in land use, natural ageing of forests, and the relative impacts of realistic, user-defined logging schedules.
Authors
Rory Nathan & Carl Daamen
Sinclair Knight Merz
P. Cornish
Landuse Hydrology Pty Ltd