Recycling the rain: Exploring forest management practices in a western Mediterranean watershed to recouple the atmospheric and terrestrial water cycle

Abstract

Current knowledge of the role that forests play in recycling rainwater has led to the proposal of forest management practices to mitigate desertification in the western Mediterranean basin. Building upon this hypothesis, we present the Mijares watershed in eastern Spain as a detailed case study. We then perform a scientific literature review in the context of the western Mediterranean basin to identify the physical and biophysical uncertainties associated with forest management practices that aim to strengthen the atmospheric and terrestrial components of the water cycle. The review identified eleven interconnected uncertainties that result from complex vegetation, climate, soil, and water relationships. We discuss the need to deepen our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics of the Mijares by accounting for the role of forests in recycling rainfall and by adopting an adaptive management approach to apply the lessons learned in the territory. Based on these considerations, we propose forest management practices to reinforce the water cycle of the watershed. Our work contributes to understanding the uncertainties arising from forest management practices aimed at mitigating desertification, thereby supporting decision-making. These insights apply to other western Mediterranean coastal watersheds. © 2024