Comment on "New Insights into Forest Hydrology with Forest Flows Programme - Radiata Pine Catchments' Water Use and Release" by D.F. Meason et al. (2025)
| Authors: | L. Adrian Bruijnzeel, Chandra Ghimire, David Whitehead, Peter Beets, Ge Sun |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| Source: | New Zealand Journal of Forestry |
Abstract
This comment challenges claims made by the Forest Flows Programme (Meason et al., 2025) regarding the water use of Pinus radiata plantations and the water yield from pine-forested catchments across New Zealand. Using robust, previously established evidence, it is argued here that instead of dispelling some commonly held beliefs, Meason et al. have created new forest hydrological myths by underestimating pine-tree water use and overestimating subsurface flows based on an erroneous conceptualization of key processes and water-balance components. In the authors' view, this not only renders their conclusions in error and in need of further scrutiny but also risks an inaccurate scientific understanding of the hydrological role of plantation forests, which could lead to misleading forest- and water-related policy decision-making.