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SPECIAL SECTION: FROM FIELD- TO LANDSCAPE-SCALE VADOSE ZONE PROCESSES

From Field- to Landscape-Scale Vadose Zone Processes: Scale Issues, Modeling, and Monitoring

^a USDA-ARS, George E. Brown, Jr. Salinity Laboratory, 450 West Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA 92507-4617
^b Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources, 123 Veihmeyer Hal, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
^c Department of Environmental Sciences, Soil Physics, Ecohydrology and Groundwater Quality Group, Wageningen University, Nieuwe Kanaal 11 6709 PA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
^* Corresponding author (dcorwin{at}ussl.ars.usda.gov)

Received 11 January 2006.

Modeling and monitoring vadose zone processes across multiple scales is a fundamental component of many environmental and natural resource issues including nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, watershed management, and nutrient management, to mention just a few. In this special section in Vadose Zone Journal we present a collection of papers reflecting current trends in modeling and monitoring vadose zone processes from field to landscape scales. The objectives of this introductory paper are to set the stage for the special issue by providing background information, by showing the interrelationship of the papers, and by identifying the significant contribution(s) of each paper. The spectrum of topics covered includes (i) issues of scale, (ii) spatial analysis of model error, (iii) modeling of NPS pollutants and hillslope stability, (iv) the use of estimation and conditioning tools such as upscaling, pedotransfer functions, and generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation, (v) data assimilation in conjunction with flow modeling and passive microwave remote sensing to estimate moisture distribution, (vi) effective hydraulic parameters across spatial scales, (vii) spatiotemporal stability of soil properties (e.g., Cl^–, B, and NO₃–N transport; salinity; and soil physical and hydraulic properties), and (viii) nested sampling to determine spatial patterns. A commonality among the papers, whether for modeling or monitoring vadose zone processes, is the question of how to address complex issues of spatial and/or temporal variability at the scale of interest. Future research will likely involve inverse modeling, the use of multiple sensors to monitor at various scales, and continued applications of pedotransfer functions, upscaling and downscaling, and hierarchy of scales.

Abbreviations: DBCP, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane • DOC, dissolved organic carbon • EMI, electromagnetic induction • ESP, effective soil porosity • GIS, geographic information system • GLUE, generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation • GPR, ground penetrating radar • NPS, nonpoint source • PM, passive microwave • PTF, pedotransfer function • SJV, San Joaquin Valley • SWAT, Soil Water Assessment Tool • TDR, time domain reflectometry • TMDL, total maximum daily load • WEPP, Water Erosion Prediction Project

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