Review of the application of SWAT Model for the sustainable management of water resources against a background of aquifers overexploitation, climate change and land use change
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24850/j-tyca-2026-02-07Keywords:
Mathematical models, water resources, groundwater, soil conservation, soil erosion, land useAbstract
With the purpose of demonstrating the capability of the SWAT model (Soil & Water Assessment Tool) to conduct feasibility studies for the implementation of sustainable and small-scale alternatives to mitigate the overexploitation of groundwater under the threat of climate change and land use change, this article has compiled and analyzed various research studies in which this tool has been used for the analysis and prediction of the dynamics of surface and groundwater, soil erosion and sedimentation, as well as studies that incorporate the implementation of reservoirs, wetlands, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) with hydrological and soil conservation objectives. Among the results, a limited number of works exclusively aimed at determining the feasibility of implementing small-scale water recharge structures has been identified. Furthermore, most of the proposed methodologies observe the simulation of a base scenario previously calibrated and validated, which is later modified to simulate scenarios of climate change, land use change, or BMP implementation. Finally, from the analysis of the results of the different studies, a high effectiveness of reforestation, parallel terraces, "barraginhas," filter dams, and terraces in general have been identified in reducing sediment production and surface runoff in a watershed, which can eventually favor water recharge.
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