Ecohydrological modelling- Linking earthworms and preferential flow

BIOPORE - Study Sites

The location of the two catchments used for this research can be seen on the map: the Weiherbach (approx. 3.5 km2, near Karlsruhe) and the Haßberge (approx. 1.5km2, near Würzburg). The sites are both equipped with a meteorology station, a set of five rainfall gauges spread through the area and a discharge gauge. 

Land-use is mainly agricultural in both areas, with tillage practices varying from reduced-tillage to conventional tillage. The relief is slightly undulating.

Weiherbach Catchment:

Starting from the 1990's there have been ongoing hydrological measurement campaigns in the Weiherbach area, which is an intensively used agricultural area. Many PhD theses have been written on the hydrological behaviour of the catchment. Preferential flow, mainly caused by the earthworm occurrence, was found to rapidly transport infiltrating water to deeper layers. The geology is dominated by Keuper and a Loess layer of up to 15 m thickness. The altitude lies between ±160 and ±240m. The climate is semi-humid with an average annual precipitation of 750-800 mm/yr, average annual runoff of 150 mm/yr and annual potential evaporation of 775 mm/yr. The average annual air temperature is 8.5°C.

Haßberge Catchment: