Shady slopes thrive while sunny slopes struggle: Soil moisture secrets revealed!
Water availability is crucial for the growth of apricot forests in the Loess Plateau. A study on soil moisture changes in this region found that shady slopes have higher soil moisture due to less evaporation. The soil moisture levels follow a double-peak pattern throughout the year. Shady slopes recharge soil moisture earlier than sunny slopes, leading to better conditions for apricot growth. Overall, soil moisture levels in both slopes are low, impacting the suitability for apricot forests.