Impact of plant functional traits on near saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil under different forests of Kempty watershed in Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

Hydraulic properties of soil in terms of near saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kh ) –2 drive water distribution and availability in soil. There is limited knowledge of how plant functional traits (PFTs) can influence soil hydraulic properties. We quantified the path in which the plant and its functional characteristics affect Kh directly or indirectly –2 under forest land use. We also identified the direct and indirect influence of PFTs on Kh through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of SEM revealed that –2 LCC and canopy cover (CC) had a direct effect on Kh in oak forests (OF). However, –2 plant height (PT) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) have a direct impact on specific leaf area (SLA), which was responsible for raising the 1.28% of Kh by increasing one –2 percent of SLA in OF. In pine forests (PF), LCC and CC had a direct effect on Kh . The –2 β coefficient values for LCC and CC showed an increase of one unit, resulting in a rise in Kh by 0.60 and 0.12%. The β coefficient values showed an increase of one percent –2 in SLA and CC, resulting in an increase in Kh of 0.02 and 0.10%, respectively, in –2 mixed forests. However, LA and CC directly impact leaf nitrogen content (LNC), which contributed to the 0.24% of Kh by increasing one percent of LNC in mixed –2 forests. We identified important plant functional traits for Kh through a modeling –2 approach, indicating complex interactions between plant functional traits and soil structural variables. Thus, plant functional traits may significantly impact soil hydraulic properties, with possible impacts on soil runoff and soil erosion.