Applicability of Hydrus-1D in a Mediterranean Mountain Area Submitted to Land Use Changes

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the Hydrus-1D model to simulate the measured dynamics of water flow in a silt loam soil profile located in an abandoned crop area. The paper includes a physical and chemical characterization of the soil, and hydraulic properties characteristics as well. Several techniques and devices were used to develop the experiment in both, field and laboratory scales. The last part of the study was the Hydrus-1D simulation using real rain events and evapotranspiration rates. In summary, it could predict accurately the water dynamics of this “natural” scenario.