Hydrological regulation capacity of soils and its application in water and biodiversity conservation

Abstract

The importance of soil in maintaining environmental flows and preserving biodiversity has been underestimated in many cases. However, research that takes an eclectic approach that considers both water and soil has demonstrated the importance of this information. It is essential to recognize the hydrological characteristics of a region by including soil variables, which are accessible to everyone. This will not only improve our understanding of water availability in a region, but will also lay the foundation for continued monitoring of this vital resource. In this context, an inclusive and precise conceptual approach has been developed to understand the water cycle and its spatial variation. The main objective of this research has been the creation of a technical instrument that allows evaluating the capacity of lands to store and regulate rainwater at a regional level. This instrument seeks to generate detailed information on wet and dry areas, as well as propose an interpretation based on spatial patterns. These patterns will allow the identification of lands that present a greater risk of desertification, thus offering a valuable tool for the sustainable management of natural resources.