Ruiz-Sinoga, J.D.; Martínez-Murillo, J.F.; Gabarrón-Galeote, M.A.; Universidad de Murcia
ABSTRACT
A climatic gradient was defined in South of Spain with a great decreased of rainfall from
West to East (>1,000 mm), which produces changes in vegetation and hydric resources. This
study was carried out in five hillslopes under different climatic conditions and their aims were
to analyze: the variability of available water along the gradient since 2002 to 2006, the key
factors of it and the influence on the vegetal cover. Results showed that clay content had a
great influence in the surface available water for plants, which did not decrease in the drier
field sites, where the amount of days with hydric deficit was lower. Relationships between
vegetation and soil water were stronger in the more humid field sites, where existed a feedback
between both properties.