Modeling of the Hydrological Processes in Caatinga and Pasture Areas in the Brazilian Semi-Arid

The semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil have historically suffered from water shortage. In this context, monitoring and modeling the soil moisture’s dynamics with hydrological models in natural (Caatinga) degraded (Pasture) is fundamental importance to understand processes. Therefore, work aims evaluate hydraulic parameters Caatinga Pasture areas using Hydrus-1D inverse method. Thus, five present were used, allowing comparison single-porosity model more complex models, which consider dual porosity hysteresis porous medium. showed better adjustments area (RMSE = 0.01–0.02, R2 0.61–0.97) than 0.01–0.03, 0.61–0.90). Regarding parameters, for all smaller saturated conductivity content values mobile region Caatinga. This fact demonstrates negative impact compaction change vegetation Brazilian semi-arid. dual-porosity presented best fit data measured area. However, a could be considered representative results that contribute maintaining moisture increasing storage regions.