Researchers embarked on a study to explore the water storage and usage patterns in five distinct ecosystems of Costa Rica, including páramo, tropical rainforest, seasonal rainforest, cloud forest, and tropical dry forest. They spent one or two days conducting fieldwork in each location to better understand how trees in different environments capture, store, and utilize water.
Water Storage in Páramo and Tropical Rainforest
At Cerro de la Muerte in the páramo ecosystem, characterized by heavy rainfall and sponge-like soil, trees primarily absorb superficial water. In fact, 61% of the water in these trees is derived from recent rainfall. Conversely, in the tropical rainforest of Heredia, where vegetation is more diverse and taller, trees store 74% of their water from sources deeper than those in the páramo.
Seasonal Rainforest and Cloud Forest Water Sources
The study continued in the seasonal rainforest of the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, where researchers found that 86.4% of tree water was collected from the ground and subsoil. In the cloud forest near Barva, an area known for its fog, 66% of the water was extracted from the soil level.
Tropical Dry Forest and the Role of Cacti
In the tropical dry forest ecosystem, scientists discovered fascinating cacti that stored 38.6% of their water from annual rainfall and 33.1% from groundwater. These cacti are even capable of storing water from previous years.
Improving Urban Planning with Water Storage Insights
The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the hydrological cycle within plants in various ecosystems. This knowledge can aid urban planning by identifying trees with higher water absorption rates to plant in areas prone to flooding, effectively mitigating flood risks.
