A review on eco-hydrological effects of condensation water

摘要

Almost half the world is suffering from drought at different levels. Since arid and semi-arid regions are characterized by extreme shortage and precipitation uncertainty, water availability is the most important limiting factor in arid lands, and any additional source of moisture, such as condensation water, may have a positive impact upon the ecosystem. Therefore, extensive research has been carried out on condensation. Based on articles and relevant documents on the subject, this paper reviews systematically and comprehensively the latest research achievements in several main aspects, including eco-hydrological effects of condensation water on plants, small animals, microbiotic crusts, soil moisture balance, ground water recharge and anthropogenic utilization. History and trends of research about eco-hydrological effects of condensation water are intensively analyzed in order to summarize existing problems and offer opinions and suggestions for future study.