The role of soils on the hydrological cycle of a wetland meadow (Vegas) in southern Chilean Patagonia.

The role of soils on the hydrological cycle of a wetland meadow (Vegas) in southern Chilean Patagonia. | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 24 January 2025 V1 Latest version Share on The role of soils on the hydrological cycle of a wetland meadow (Vegas) in southern Chilean Patagonia. Authors : P. Cisternas , J. Ivelic-Sáez 0000-0001-6613-7382 [email protected] , José Dörner 0000-0003-4016-2875 , Susana Valle , Jose Luis Arumi 0000-0002-8101-3510 , J. Valenzuela , E. Muñoz , Sebastián Bravo Peña , J. Clunes , Ordóñez 0000-0003-3397-0217 , O Wendroth , and Rainer Horn 0000-0003-0734-5514 Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.173770581.16195063/v1 Published Ecohydrology Version of record Peer review timeline 253 views 80 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Wetlands occupy 4–8% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface and perform critical ecosystem functions, including water quality and quantity regulation, wildlife habitat provision, and carbon storage. ”Vegas”, wetlands in Chilean Patagonia, are unique ecosystems that play a vital role in water supply and forage productivity, which are essential for sheep farming, the region’s main economic activity. This study aimed to analyze the spatial variability of soil functions, evaluate water dynamics, and correlate hydrological behavior with environmental characteristics in Patagonian Vega. Seven excavation sites were selected along a topographical transect, with soil samples collected at depths of 5, 30, and 80 cm. Sensors were installed to measure soil water content and matric potential. Analyses included WRC, Ka, and Ks. Results showed hydric deficits for 84.3% of the evaluation period and a progressive decline in the water table. Air capacity and plant-available water varied significantly across topographical positions and depths. Soils on summits and footslopes exhibited higher hydraulic conductivity but lower water retention compared to soils in the centre of the Vega, which remained saturated in deeper horizons. A strong correlation was observed between soil water content and evapotranspiration (ETo), whereas precipitation had minimal influence. Vegas acts as natural sponges, storing and releasing water according to seasonal demands. The central zone of the Vega plays a pivotal role in maintaining soil moisture and supporting forage productivity, while peripheral areas contribute to hydrological flows via surface and subsurface runoff. These results underscore the importance of treating Vegas as protected wetlands and adopting sustainable management strategies to conserve their ecosystem services in the face of climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures. Patagonian Vegas exhibits significant spatial variability in soil functions, which are critical for water regulation and biodiversity support. Supplementary Material File (cisternas et al. fig 14-01-2025.docx) Download 5.57 MB File (cisternas et al. ms 14-01-2025.docx) Download 430.39 KB File (graphical abstract image.pptx) Download 1.49 MB File (graphical abstract text.docx) Download 14.95 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 24 January 2025 Peer review timeline Published Ecohydrology Version of Record 30 Jul 2025 Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords chilean patagonia livestock peatlands soil functions soil variability water balance water storage wetlands Authors Affiliations P. Cisternas Universidad Austral de Chile View all articles by this author J. Ivelic-Sáez 0000-0001-6613-7382 [email protected] Universidad Austral de Chile Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias View all articles by this author José Dörner 0000-0003-4016-2875 Universidad Austral de Chile View all articles by this author Susana Valle Universidad Austral de Chile View all articles by this author Jose Luis Arumi 0000-0002-8101-3510 Universidad de Concepcion - Campus Chillan View all articles by this author J. Valenzuela Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias Centro Regional Quilamapu View all articles by this author E. Muñoz Universidad Catolica de la Santisima Concepcion Facultad de Medicina View all articles by this author Sebastián Bravo Peña Universidad Austral de Chile View all articles by this author J. Clunes Universidad Austral de Chile View all articles by this author Ordóñez 0000-0003-3397-0217 Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias Centro Regional Quilamapu View all articles by this author O Wendroth University of Kentucky Department of Plant and Soil Sciences View all articles by this author Rainer Horn 0000-0003-0734-5514 Christian-Albrechts-Universitat zu Kiel Institut fur Pflanzenernahrung und Bodenkunde View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 253 views 80 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation P. Cisternas, J. Ivelic-Sáez, José Dörner, et al. The role of soils on the hydrological cycle of a wetland meadow (Vegas) in southern Chilean Patagonia.. Authorea . 24 January 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.173770581.16195063/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); Cited by Muhammed Ernur Akiner, Mehmet Ali Çelik, Is runoff the key input of evapotranspiration?: AI-based hydro-climatic assessment in Southeastern Türkiye’s Dams Region, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 157 , 4, (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-026-06137-7 Crossref Loading... 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