A Study of Soil Moisture Pattern in <I>Eucalyptus</I> and Pine Stands

Abstract

Pattern of moisture distribution was compared in a soil under Eucalyptus and Pine stands during summer of 1979. The stands retained a higher amount of soil moisture in their middle layers as compared to upper and lower layers of the 1.8 meter soil profile. The moisture content in the soil decreased with time and more than 4% decrease was observed in the lower depth range (145-185 cm) of Eucalyptus. The Eucalyptus meets its water demand from deeper soil depths whereas Pine thrives on shallower depths. The study revealed that the stands did not experience critical soil moisture stress during the period of study under the New Forest conditions. The study is being extended 10 cover the whole year.