Correlation Between Forest Cover Loss and Static Groundwater Levels in Laur, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Downloads
This study examined the relationship between forest cover loss and Static Water Level (SWL) depth fluctuations in Laur, Nueva Ecija, Philippines from 2015 to 2026 using secondary environmental data and Pearson correlation analysis. Forest cover data from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and SWL records were analyzed to identify trends in vegetation loss and groundwater conditions within the Sierra Madre boundary. Higher SWL depth values indicate deeper groundwater tables and potentially lower groundwater availability. Results showed fluctuations in both forest cover loss and SWL depth during the study period. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between forest cover loss and SWL depth (r = -0.7893, p = 0.003868), indicating an inverse relationship between the variables. Periods of higher forest cover loss were associated with changes in groundwater depth, while lower forest loss corresponded with different SWL conditions. However, the findings are limited to statistical association and do not establish causation. The study supports existing literature suggesting that forest cover influences watershed processes such as infiltration and groundwater recharge. Overall, the study provides baseline information for future environmental monitoring and watershed management in Laur, Nueva Ecija.
Bawafi, H., Indra, T. L., Kusratmoko, E., & Damayanti, A. (2020). Spatial analysis of deforestation in water recharge area at the Toyoaning Sub-watershed as a drought mitigation effort. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 412(1), Article 012013. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/412/1/012013
Dida, J. J. V., Tiburan Jr, C. L., & Saizen, I. (2021). Assessment of forest disturbances and carbon stock in Pantabangan-Carranglan watershed, Philippines, using remote sensing. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 46, 147-152. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVI-4-W6-2021-147-2021
Eco, R., Rodolfo, K.S., Sulapas, J.J., Morales Rivera, A.M., Lagmay, A.M.F., Amelung, F. (2020). Disaster in slow motion: Widespread land subsidence in and around Metro Manila, Philippines Quantified by Insar Time-Series Analysis. JSM Environmental Science & Ecology, 8(1): 1068
Flores, D. N. (2025, November 12). Sierra Madre losing 9,000 hectares of forest cover each year—Haribon. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2025/11/12/2486728/sierra-madre-losing-9000-hectares-forest-cover-each-year-haribon
Gabriel, M. J. C., Israel, K. P., Ugat, B. Z., Hintural, W., & Baldonado, M. (2025). Analysis of the contemporary drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Southern Sierra Madre Region, Philippines. ScieEnggJ, 18, 2025. https://doi.org/10.54645/202518SupVJC-12
Global Forest Watch. (2024). Laur, Aurora, Philippines: Deforestation rates & statistics. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL/55/13/
Huang, H., Liu, J., Guillaumot, L., Chen, A., de Graaf, I., & Chen, D. (2025). Contrasting impacts of irrigation and deforestation on Lancang-Mekong River Basin hydrology. Communications Earth & Environment, 6, Article 107. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02093-8
Ilstedt, U., Tobella, A. B., Bazié, H. R., Bayala, J., Verbeeten, E., Nyberg, G., Sanou, J., Benegas, L., Murdiyarso, D., Laudon, H., Sheil, D., & Malmer, A. (2016). Intermediate tree cover can maximize groundwater recharge in the seasonally dry tropics. Scientific Reports, 6, Article 21930.
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep21930
Jago-on, K.A., Kaneko, S., Komatsu, S. (2021). Social and economic impacts of flooding and land subsidence in KAMANAVA, Metro Manila. Philippine Journal of Social Development 3(2011), 109-131,
https://tuklas.up.edu.ph/Record/IPP-00000003451
Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in comprehensive development planning of the cities in Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. (2021). International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 12(4), 585–601.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13753-021-00351-9
Mangunay, I. D. (2022). Spatial analysis of groundwater recharge potential and assessment of river flow duration characteristics in Inabanga Watershed [Master’s thesis, De La Salle Universi
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_civ/22/
Manuel, A. I., & Velasco, M. (2021). Reforestation program in Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed forest reserve: An assessment. British Journal of Environmental Studies, 1(1), 1–11. https://al-kindipublishers.org/index.php/bjes/article/view/2423
Mapulanga, A. M., & Naito, H. (2019). Effect of deforestation on access to clean drinking water. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(17), 8249–8254.
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1814970116
Oliveira, P. T. S., Leite, M. B., Mattos, T., Nearing, M. A., Scott, R. L., Xavier, R. O., Matos, D. M., & Wendland, E. (2017). Groundwater recharge decreases with increased vegetation density in the Brazilian Cerrado. Ecohydrology, 10(1), Article e1759.
https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.1759
PCAARRD-DOST (2024). Current state of watershed in the Philippines.
https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/current-state-of-watershed-in-the-philippines
Pulhin, F. B., Magpantay, A. T., Almarines, N. R., Predo, C. D., & Pulhin, J. M. (2024). Land cover change and carbon loss: A case study of the Pagsanjan-Lumban and Baroro watersheds in Luzon, Philippines. SciEnggJ, 17, 268–280. https://doi.org/10.54645/202417SupLOF-25
Ranjan, S. P., Kazama, S., & Sawamoto, M. (2006). Effects of climate and land use changes on groundwater resources in coastal aquifers. Journal of Environmental Management, 80(1), 25–35.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.08.008
Sandoval, J. A., & Tiburan, C. L. (2021). Identification of potential artificial groundwater recharge sites in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines using GIS and analytical hierarchy process. Philippine Journal of Science, 150(3c), 751–768.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/751
Tañagras, J., Macuha, R., & Herrera, E. (2023). Impact evaluation of land use-land cover change on the hydrology of Salipit River Basin Cavite, Philippines. GEOMATE Journal, 25(110), 140–147.
https://doi.org/10.21660/2023.110.3852
Tumbaga, J. R. A. (2023). Assessment of land cover change around Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 21(4), 3591–3613. http://dx.doi.org/10.15666/aeer/2104_35913613
