Using stable isotopes to inform water resource management in forested and agricultural ecosystems

Present and future climatic trends are expected to markedly alter water fluxes and stores in the hydrologic cycle. In addition, water demand continues to grow due to increased human use and a growing population. Sustainably managing water resources requires a thorough understanding of water storage and flow in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems. Measurements of stable isotopes of water (hydrogen and oxygen) in the water cycle (atmosphere, soils, plants, surface water, and groundwater) can provide information on the transport pathways, sourcing, dynamics, ages, and storage pools of water that is difficult to obtain with other techniques. However, the potential of these techniques for practical questions has not been fully exploited yet. Here, we outline the benefits and limitations of potential applications of stable isotope methods useful to water managers, farmers, and other stakeholders. We also describe several case studies demonstrating how stable isotopes of water can support water management decision-making. Finally, we propose a workflow that guides users through a sequence of decisions required to apply stable isotope methods to examples of water management issues. We call for ongoing dialogue and a stronger connection between water management stakeholders and water stable isotope practitioners to identify the most pressing issues and develop best-practice guidelines to apply these techniques.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Scandellari, Francesca, Attou, Taha, Barbeta, Adrià, Bernhard, Fabian, D'Amato, Concetta, Dimitrova-Petrova, Katya, Donaldson, Amanda, Durodola, Oludare, Ferraris, Stefano, Floriancic, Marius G., Fontenla-Razzetto, Gabriela, Gerchow, Malkin, Han, Qiong, Khalil, Isis, Kirchner, James W., Kühnhammer, Kathrin, Liu, Qin, Llorens, Pilar, Magh, Ruth-Kristina, Marshall, John, Meusburger, Katrin, Oliveira, Aline Meyer, Muñoz-Villers, Lyssette, Pires, Sabrina Santos, Todini-Zicavo, Diego, van Meerveld, Ilja, Voigt, Claudia, Wirsig, Luise, Beyer, Matthias, Geris, Josie, Hopp, Luisa, Penna, Daniele, Sprenger, Matthias
Other Authors:	0000-0002-2242-2656
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier 2024-06-24
Subjects:	Water resources management, Agricultural management, Climate change, Forest management, Stable isotopes of water, Stakeholders, Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, Responsible Consumption and Production, Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/362203 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85196736315
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