## 5 Conclusions  
Saturated zones with potential for Dunne runoff were identified, especially on steeper slopes, highlighting the importance of topography in the hydrological dynamics of watersheds. It was observed that Dunne runoff occurs predominantly from the mid-course to the mouth, following the east-west direction of the watershed, with higher elevation areas showing elevated soil moisture values favoring Dunne runoff formation. In contrast, areas with less steep slopes exhibited low soil moisture, emphasizing the influence of terrain slope on the hydrological regime in this basin. The results indicate a positive correlation between steeper slopes, soil moisture, and Dunne runoff, suggesting that steeper areas are more prone to this type of runoff. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between eucalyptus plantations and soil moisture, implying that such plantations may reduce soil water retention capacity, negatively affecting runoff dynamics. Forest fragments exhibited high NDVI and NDWI values, indicating dense forests with high moisture content, especially on steep slopes. This condition suggests that forest fragments have adequate soil moisture conditions and play a significant role in both delaying surface runoff, influenced by tree roots, and enhancing infiltration, further favoring moist soil conditions conducive to Dunne runoff formation, contributing to the hydrological balance of the basin. In contrast, areas undergoing savannization or lacking vegetation showed insignificant soil moisture levels, indicating the absence of recent heavy rainfall before image acquisition and highlighting the vulnerability of these areas to moisture loss following Atlantic Forest suppression. These findings highlight the importance of riparian zones and forest cover in the hydrological dynamics of watersheds. The preservation and restoration of forested areas on steep slopes are crucial for sustainable water resource management, promoting hydrological balance within the watershed and ensuring a more balanced relationship between the different types of surface runoff, such as Hortonian and Dunnian flow, while preserving soil moisture and the edaphic microorganisms that depend on this systemic balance. Moreover, land use practices, such as eucalyptus planting, should be carefully evaluated and managed to avoid negative impacts on soil moisture and the hydrological behavior of the watershed. In conclusion, topography and vegetation cover are determining factors in Dunne runoff dynamics, and environmental management strategies should consider these elements to ensure the sustainability of water resources and the resilience of watersheds in the face of environmental and climate changes. Implementation of conservation and restoration policies for native forests, alongside proper management of agricultural and forestry practices, can significantly enhance soil water retention capacity and aquatic ecosystem quality, ensuring water availability for future generations. We emphasize that this investigation was limited to a specific area with complex and localized geo-environmental conditions, which poses a limitation on the generalizability of the results. However, the methodology proved to be robust and effective within the studied context. Therefore, we recommend applying this same methodological approach in other environments to assess its applicability under different environmental conditions. Testing its feasibility in diverse settings will help evaluate the adaptability and comprehensiveness of the methodology, determining whether it can provide equally reliable and accurate results across varied contexts. Expanding this approach to other geographic regions and environmental scenarios could contribute to the enhancement of analytical tools and foster new comparative studies, thereby increasing the scientific value and relevance of the research.