Forestation in Northeastern Brazil and Its Influence on Quantity and Quality of Runoff

by Guilherme C. Andrade, EMPARN, Caico, Brazil,
Ricardo A. L. Brito, EMPARN, Caico, Brazil,
Walter P. Lima, EMPARN, Caico, Brazil,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Watershed Management in the Eighties

Abstract:

A study is being conducted in Northeastern Brazil, at Cruzeta, in the Semi-Arid Tropic, to estimate runoff and soil displacement caused by precipitation and the influence of vegetation on quantity and quality of the runoff water. Three 'micro-basins' of approximately 1. 0 ha each were selected and had pluviometers and discharge recorders installed on them. One micro-basin was kept with native vegetation, (Caatinga forest), one was cleared out, and the third one was forested with 'Algaroba' (Prosopis juliflora). Although the region has a low rainfall average (537 mm annually), the rains occur in a stormy pattern and considerable runoff occurs, as well as soil erosion.

Subject Headings: Runoff | Water quality | Vegetation | Rainfall-runoff relationships | Developing countries | Tropical soils | Rain water | Brazil | South America

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