Vegetation cover in aquifer recharge: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16111184Keywords:
vegetation cover, high Andean micro-watersheds, aquifer rechargeAbstract
This research analyzes the impact of vegetation cover on groundwater recharge in high Andean regions, where land-use changes and vegetation decline have modified hydrological processes, negatively affecting infiltration capacity and water sustainability. The main objective is to evaluate how vegetation cover affects groundwater recharge processes through a systematic documentary review based on a qualitative approach and the PRISMA methodology. To this end, 27 relevant studies were selected from the Scopus database, prioritizing criteria of relevance, timeliness, and scientific rigor. The results show that dense vegetation cover, especially with native species, promotes water infiltration, reduces runoff, and favors groundwater recharge. In contrast, degraded or deforested areas experience lower water retention capacity and greater surface water losses. Consequently, it is concluded that restoring vegetation cover through ecological management strategies is essential to improve aquifer recharge and ensure the sustainability of water resources in high Andean micro-watersheds. Thus, the conservation and restoration of vegetation not only contributes to the resilience of water systems but also represents a key strategy for addressing the challenges arising from land-use change in these fragile ecosystems.
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