2.2.2. Soil water content (SWC)
Volumetric SWC was measured using time domain reflectometry (TDR) (IMKO, Germany) at 16 cm depth (after removing the surface litter layer). TDR probes were calibrated with SWC obtained gravimetrically (as theoretical values), and the calibration error between the value of the instrument and that of theoretical was < 2%. We obtained 1920 field SWC records in the investigation. In order to minimize the impact of environmental factors (such as precipitation events) on surface SWC, there were at least 7 sunny days before and, so as to better reflect the interaction and hydrological connection between SWC and landcover types, and no precipitation during the study period.