Rainfall interception variations according to Eucalyptus genotypes

The selection of taxa/genotypes that have a rainfall interception that suits the conditions of each region is key to maintaining water stability and minimizing the effects of drought. This study evaluated rainfall interception on a 7-year-old plantation with the eight genotypes (Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens x globulus (high and low productivity), E. nitens, E. badjensis, E. smithii and E. camaldulensis x globulus) in Yumbel, Bio-Bio, Chile. In addition, diameter (DBH), total height (H) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) were considered and compared with stemflow (Sf), throughfall (Tf) and interception (Int). The results showed that DBH and H did not infer the rainfall interception parameters. In contrast, Tf and Int varied in each genotype; E. badjensis and E. smithii had a LAI >5.1 m²m^-2 had the minimum Tf and maximum Int; in contrast, E. globulus and E. nitens x globulus with a LAI< 4.0 m²m^-2 showed low Int and high Tf. With Sf did not show differences between genotypes. These suggest the opportunity to select genotypes considering canopy interception to balance productivity and water resources under climate change scenarios.