Soil water repellency and plant cover: A state-of-knowledge review

Abstract

Soil water repellency (SWR) is a widespread natural phenomenon that results from a complex interplay between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere. The plant cover largely contributes to the development of SWR as a source of hydrophobic compounds that can be found in surface and near-surface soils. Studies suggest that certain vegetation types, and even different plant species, are frequently associated with the occurrence of severe SWR. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the linkage of SWR and plant cover. By keywords-based searching of academic databases, 179 research papers were selected and analyzed. The literature review provides: i) overall research output regarding locations, climate conditions, soil and plant cover features, ii) main issues addressed in studies on SWR-plant cover research, iii) inventory of 248 plant species associated with the development of SWR, iv) identification of the plant species/types most frequently cited to induce severe SWR, v) discussion on the plant traits relevant to the development of SWR, ecological and environmental aspects of SWR-plant cover relationship, vi) suggestions for further research on the linkage of plant cover, SWR, runoff generation, and soil moisture storage through holistic approaches.