Hydrophysical Properties of Soils as Indicators of the Hydrological Role of Rudny Altai Forests

Abstract

The hydrophysical properties of soils and parent rock are key factors shaping forest hydrological functioning, as they influence multiple runoff components. This study assessed the effects of forest stand composition on soil moisture and water permeability between 2021 and 2023 in the middle mountain-taiga zone of the Rudny Altai, within the Zhuravlikha River basin, a tributary of the Irtysh River. Measurements conducted at depths of 10-50 cm showed that Fir forests maintained the highest soil moisture across all layers. Although a 40-year-old birch stand had lower moisture content than Fir stands, it exhibited relatively high values in the upper soil horizon. Aspen stands demonstrated reduced moisture-retention capacity during the growing season due to high transpiration demand. Soil water permeability varied according to soil texture and vegetation type, with mean rates of 307±31.1 mm/h in birch stands, 409±62.33 mm/h in Aspen stands, 531±122.96 mm/h in Fir stands, and 648 ± 94.15 mm/h in shrublands. These findings highlight the role of forest composition in regulating soil hydrophysical properties essential for regional hydrological processes.