Maleknia, Parisa ， Ugwonoh, Nelson ， Ali, Zana Fattah ， Geresdi, Istvan ， Czigany, Szabolcs
2025 APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE 2025 2025(卷), 1(期), (null页)
This study investigates how pasture, orchard, and ploughland influence soil moisture (SM) dynamics in southwestern Hungary using Hydrus-1D modelling and field experiments. Field experiments at three sites monitored SM and matric potential at 10 cm and 30 cm depths. Data were used to calibrate and validate the model. Results revealed SM differences among land uses. Pasture showed higher SM retention than orchard and ploughland, with orchard having reduced SM due to tree removal. Ploughland had the lowest mean SM, influenced by high transpiration and canopy interception from soybean crops. Sensitivity analyses highlighted soil texture, slope, and management practices as critical drivers of SM variability. The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with acceptable root mean square error (RMSE) and normalised root mean square error (NRMSE) values. This integration of hydrological modelling and empirical data provides actionable insights for optimising land management and enhancing soil water conservation under shifting climatic conditions.