How deep-rooted fruit trees affect deep soil water replenishment, studied with isotopes

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We studied soil samples from the Loess Plateau in China, focusing on farmland and orchards. We found that deep-rooted fruit trees draw more water from deep soil, and that water is mainly recharged by intense, infrequent rain during the wet season. Deep soil water below 8 meters was over 55 years old. Our findings reveal how land use affects water resources in dry regions, and help inform sustainable water management.

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