Landscape planning for sustainable groundwater resources

Abstract

Landscape planning is associated with the ecological land use management in order to sustain these lands together with their natural and cultural settings. These natural resources basically involve the components of vegetation, soil, water and the underground. Groundwater is one of the vital hydrological resources of the lands. Large fraction of the precipitation reaching the earth surface is enriched with minerals as it infiltrates into the soil and rocks, ultimately recharging groundwater resources. Accordingly, both the quantity and quality of the groundwater is influenced by the physical and chemical characteristics of the lands and its usages. Groundwater resources are often the primary source of water, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Groundwater is used for drinking purposes and other domestic usages, agriculture and as a source of water for livestock. Hence, groundwater resources are one of the major ecosystem services within both the urban and rural landscapes. However, groundwater resources are under threat due to human-induced pollution and the sharp land use and climate changes of the recent decades. Consequently, landscape planning must be conducted to simultaneously achieve sustainable land use management objectives and to conserve and protect this vital resource. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.