Beech coppice short-term hydrological balance for simulated rainfall.

In an experimental beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) coppice plot, throughfall, stemflow and superficial runoff were monitored on a single event basis, in order to verify the short term hydrological balance in different conditions of leaf cover. Rainfall events were simulated using a rainfall simulator, operated at two different intensities. The plot was hydraulically isolated, along its whole perimeter and a small drain, placed in the lowest part of the plot, was used to collect the superficial runoff. Twelve rain gauges were used to survey the throughfall whereas the stemflow was collected through rubber collars. Superficial flows were measured both by sampling the discharges coming out of the plot and by collecting the total water runoff volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]