New method accurately estimates forest water interception, saving time and money.
Interception, which is the storage and evaporation of rainfall by plants and litter, is important for understanding how ecosystems use rain. A new method was developed to estimate total interception, including canopy, understory, and litter layers, using soil moisture data during rain. The study found that forest interception can be estimated using soil moisture, with values consistent with previous research. Factors like leaf area and ground cover influence interception. This method could save time and money compared to traditional measurements, improving our understanding of water in forests.