The effect of vegetation canopy on canopy storage capacity with different rainfall intensity

Canopy Interception is one of the vital component in hydrological cycle and underestimating the interception process can significantly affect the water balance. A study of rainfall interception was conducted using rainfall simulator called hydrology apparatus. Three different rainfall intensities were used in this study; 90 mm/hr, 140 mm/hr and 180 mm/hr. These intensities were produced by 8 nozzles. The test were first carried out on the barren land without the existence of canopy cover. To study the effect of canopy cover on canopy storage capacity, broadleaf plant (Scindapsus Aureus) was used to cover the barren land. The differences between the amount of water discharge between these two different land covers were observed to determine the quantity of water stored in the canopy. Results indicated that Scindapsus Aureus intercepted more water at lower intensity than at higher intensity. The lowest intensity was 90 mm/hr stored 1.6mm of rainwater while 140 mm/hr retained 0.8 mm. 180 mm/hr was the highest rainfall intensity used in this study intercepted 0.3mm of total precipitation. Therefore, this study proved that rainfall intensity is one of the main factors that influence the rainfall interception process.