EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Laio 2006
Laio, F. (2006). A vertically extended stochastic model of soil moisture in the root zone. Water Resources Research 42. doi: 10.1029/2005WR004502. issn: 0043-1397.

Comprehension of the soil moisture dynamics in the rhizosphere is fundamental in the study of the water balance, vegetation productivity in water-limited ecosystems, soil microbial activity, and atmospheric boundary layer dynamics. This paper develops a vertically extended model for soil moisture, which accounts for (1) the stochasticity of precipitation, (2) the vertical distribution of plant roots, and (3) the (linear or nonlinear) dependence of transpiration on soil water content. The stochastic model is mathematically formulated under a few simplifying hypotheses, and the depth-dependent steady state probability density function of soil moisture is obtained analytically. The dependence of these solutions on climate conditions is discussed through some exemplifying cases.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Hydrology, Soil moisture, Hydrology, Eco-hydrology, Hydrology, Plant uptake, Hydrology, Vadose zone
Journal
Water Resources Research
http://www.agu.org/wrr/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit