Behavior of water balance components at sites with shallow groundwater tables: Possibilities and limitations of their simulation using different ways to control weighable groundwater lysimeters

摘要: Abstract The water cycle of sites with shallow groundwater tables is characterized by complex interactions hydrological and ecological processes. balance components, which are subject to diurnal fluctuations, best measured lysimeters. However, the lower boundary condition such lysimeters affects most variables, particularly when considering short time scales, has be defined in a way as facilitate realistic simulations. In this paper, different means controlling were compared respect their ability simulate behavior components properly. Measurements rain-free periods from lysimeter station installed Spreewald wetland north–east Germany evaluated. common type controlled using Mariotte bottle sets level soil monolith constant level, here caused an alteration inflow lysimeter, both its value behavior. Still, daily evapotranspiration values simple robust approach may used for intervals not shorter than one day. High-resolution measurements can gained that automatically adjust system pumps valves on hourly basis. reliable results only obtained conditions surrounding field, where target was measured, accordance. Otherwise (e.g., differed) unrealistic evolved. Reasonable results, even slightly diverging conditions, new inflows outflows lysimeter. This further enabled itself study subject, thereby enlarging field possible applications