Our Research
Project objectives
The project will explore diverse forest restoration methods, including different tree densities and post-fire forest management techniques such as mulching, physical barriers, and control areas. The project is built on two scientific pillars, combining the expertise of the Tech4AGR0 group at CSIC Madrid and the knowledge of local partners managing the field sites:
- Scientific monitoring of soil moisture using ground-based geophysical and remote sensing (RS) techniques.
- Integration of data to develop energy balance and water balance models for understanding water distribution in soil and its exchanges with the atmosphere.
Concrete goals
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Goal 1: Investigate how rain is partitioned and how water moves at multiple spatial and temporal scales in a fire-affected forest. This includes studying the effects of engineered structures (e.g., mulching, erosion barriers) and tree density management using time-lapse soil imaging.
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Goal 2: Assimilate RS and time-lapse geophysical data to train datasets and enhance predictions for green water footprint (ETgreen), groundwater flow and recharge, and water supply.
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Goal 3: Foster collaboration among geophysicists, ecohydrologists, and atmospheric scientists by computing relevant proxies for water accounting, soil-plant water availability, and hydro-socio-environmental factors.
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Goal 4: Disseminate knowledge about techniques to all target audiences through a balanced program of professional training, demonstrations, and non-academic articles.
Work Packages
- Long-term multi-scale monitoring of key components of the ECZ (WP1)
- Coupling between geophysical, remote sensing (RS), and water-energy balance models (WP2)
- Performance and socio-environmental impacts of forest management (WP3)
- Communication and dissemination (WP4)
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