Water fluxes in headwater catchments with distinct land uses

Understanding how different vegetation covers may impact water resources is crucial for rural productivity, especially where water is limited. This thesis examined the water balance in two different catchments, one dominated by a pasture and the other mostly covered by a blue gum plantation. It was found that the water lost by the pasture via evapotranspiration was lower than in the plantation, and during hot and dry periods, including heat waves, tree transpiration is largely reduced. The findings will support future studies addressing challenges of a changing climate in relation to water resources and rural productivity.