scholarly journals Preferential water flow through decayed root channels enhances soil water infiltration: Evaluation in distinct vegetation types under semi-arid conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gao-Lin Wu ◽  
Manuel López‐Vicente ◽  
Ze Huang ◽  
Zeng Cui ◽  
Yu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Tree Plantation ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Caragana Korshinskii ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. Topsoil desiccation alters soil physical characteristics and seriously limits plant growth in semi-arid and arid areas. The phenomenon of dried soil layer has generated increasing attention, but the process of preferential flow through decayed root channels – when the plants decompose after death – and its benefits on soil water supply in the soil dry layers are rarely evaluated. This study examines the effects of root channels on soil infiltrability in three contrasted vegetation types developed in a loessial soil, namely: Scrubland (Caragana korshinskii), fruit tree plantation (Armeniaca vulgaris) and grassland (Medicago sativa; using data from a previous study); setting bare land as control. The infiltration rates of the alive and decayed specimens were measured using a double-ring infiltrometer, and methylene blue allowed us to trace the pathways of water flow. Results indicated that scrubland species had the highest steady infiltration rates, which were about 23 % and 83 % higher than those rates measured in the fruit tree plantation and grasslands, respectively. Regarding root geometry, the steady infiltration rates were significantly and positively correlated with the average root channel diameter (ARCD) and area (RCA). Under the same root diameter conditions, soil water infiltrability significantly improved in the decayed root plots and compared with the alive root plots. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of root channels of different degraded vegetation types on soil moisture and infiltrability, which are conductive to provide knowledge base in the research of hydrological processes in degraded soils in water-scarce regions.

scholarly journals Effects of rock fragments on the water infiltration and hydraulic conductivity in the soils of the desert steppes of Inner Mongolia, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Wu ◽  
Zhongju Meng ◽  
Xiaohong Dang ◽  
Ji Wang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Rock Fragment ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Soil Water Infiltration ◽  
Desert Steppes ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Infiltration Processes ◽  
Rock Fragment Content

Soils that contain rock fragments (particles &gt; 2 mm in diameter) are distributed all over the world. The presence of these small rock fragments can have a great impact on soil water retention properties, as well as on the soil-water infiltration and vegetation restoration in semi-arid regions. To quantitatively describe the transport of water in stony soils, repacked soil cores were used to determine the infiltration rates for different rock fragment contents (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) and rock fragment sizes (2–5, 5–8, 8–11, and 2–11 mm). The results showed that both the content and size of the rock fragments and their interaction significantly affected the infiltration process. The infiltration rates over time and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K<sub>s</sub>) decreased with an increasing rock fragment content to an observed minimum value for a 40% rock fragment content. The soil-water infiltration processes were accurately described by the Kostiakov model. The measured and calculated K<sub>s</sub> values decreased with an increasing rock fragment content, which was in accordance with the published data and in accordance with the K<sub>s</sub> obtained by five empirical methods. The variations in the measured K<sub>s</sub> were likely due to the variations in the soil properties caused by the soil sample repacking. The results of this study may improve the understanding of the effects of the rock fragment content and size on the infiltration processes in arid and semi-arid desert steppes.

scholarly journals Analysis of soil and vegetation patterns in semi-arid Mediterranean landscapes by way of a conceptual water balance model

2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 899-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Portoghese ◽  
V. Iacobellis ◽  
M. Sivapalan
Keyword(s):  
Water Balance ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Mediterranean Landscapes ◽  
Soil Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. This paper investigates the impact of various vegetation types on water balance variability in semi-arid Mediterranean landscapes, and the different strategies they may have developed to succeed in such water-limited environments. The existence of preferential associations between soil water holding capacity and vegetation species is assessed through an extensive soil geo-database focused on a study region in Southern Italy. Water balance constraints that dominate the organization of landscapes are investigated by a conceptual bucket approach. The temporal water balance dynamics are modelled, with vegetation water use efficiency being parameterized through the use of empirically obtained crop coefficients as surrogates of vegetation behavior in various developmental stages. Sensitivity analyses with respect to the root zone depth and soil water holding capacity are carried out with the aim of explaining the existence of preferential soil-vegetation associations and, hence, the spatial distribution of vegetation types within the study region. Based on these sensitivity analyses the degrees of suitability and adaptability of each vegetation type to parts of the study region are explored with respect of the soil water holding capacity, and the model results were found consistent with the observed affinity patterns.

scholarly journals Depression storage and infiltration effects on overland flow depth-velocity-friction at desert conditions: field plot results and model

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 3293-3307 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Rossi ◽  
J. O. Ares
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Life Forms ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Soil Core ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Overland Flows ◽  
Desert Areas ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. Water infiltration and overland flow are relevant in considering water partition among plant life forms, the sustainability of vegetation and the design of sustainable hydrological models and management. In arid and semi-arid regions, these processes present characteristic trends imposed by the prevailing physical conditions of the upper soil as evolved under water-limited climate. A set of plot-scale field experiments at the semi-arid Patagonian Monte (Argentina) were performed in order to estimate the effect of depression storage areas and infiltration rates on depths, velocities and friction of overland flows. The micro-relief of undisturbed field plots was characterized at z-scale 1 mm through close-range stereo-photogrammetry and geo-statistical tools. The overland flow areas produced by controlled water inflows were video-recorded and the flow velocities were measured with image processing software. Antecedent and post-inflow moisture were measured, and texture, bulk density and physical properties of the upper soil were estimated based on soil core analyses. Field data were used to calibrate a physically-based, mass balanced, time explicit model of infiltration and overland flows. Modelling results reproduced the time series of observed flow areas, velocities and infiltration depths. Estimates of hydrodynamic parameters of overland flow (Reynolds-Froude numbers) are informed. To our knowledge, the study here presented is novel in combining several aspects that previous studies do not address simultaneously: (1) overland flow and infiltration parameters were obtained in undisturbed field conditions; (2) field measurements of overland flow movement were coupled to a detailed analysis of soil microtopography at 1 mm depth scale; (3) the effect of depression storage areas in infiltration rates and depth-velocity friction of overland flows is addressed. Relevance of the results to other similar desert areas is justified by the accompanying biogeography analysis of similarity of the environment where this study was performed with other desert areas of the world.

Influence of soil bulk density on horizontal water infiltration

Soil Research ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
AK Sharda
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Silty Clay ◽  
Soil Columns ◽  
Silty Clay Loam ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Water Diffusivity ◽  
Relative Water

Studies were conducted on soil columns of a silty clay loam packed at bulk densities of 1200, 1300 and 1400 kg/m3 to evaluate the influence of soil bulk density on water infiltration in the horizontal direction. Soil water diffusivity values were obtained by reversing the iterative procedure of Philip. A reduction to less than 25% in soil water diffusivity occurred near saturation with the increase in soil bulk density, but the influence of soil bulk density decreased with the decrease in relative water content. Lengths of infiltration, cumulative influx and infiltration rates also reduced markedly with the increase in soil bulk density from 1200 kg/m to 1400 kg/m3.

HYDRUS (2d/3d) simulation of water flow through sandy loam soil under potato cultivation in Southern Manitoba

2017 ◽  
pp. 1.9-1.19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afua Mante ◽  
Ramanathan Sri Ranjan
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Crop Evapotranspiration ◽  
Reference Crop Evapotranspiration ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Reference Crop

The HYDRUS (2D/3D) modeling tool was used to simulate water flow through subsurface-drained sandy loam soil under potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivation in Southern Manitoba. The model was used to simulate water flow through a 2-D model domain of dimensions, 15 m width × 2.5 m depth. The model was calibrated and validated with field data measured during the growing season of year 2011 at the Hespler Farms, Winkler, Manitoba. Field measurements, including soil water content and watertable depth, for two test plots under subsurface free drainage were used for the calibration and validation. Weather data were also obtained to estimate reference crop evapotranspiration, which was used as input data in the model. Based on the reference crop evapotranspiration, and crop coefficient of the potato crop, the actual crop evapotranspiration was estimated and compared to the simulated actual crop evapotranspiration results. The results showed that the model was able to account for 50% to 78% of the variation in the estimated actual crop evapotranspiration. With respect to water flow through the soil, the observed soil water content and the simulated soil water content were compared using graphical and quantitative analysis. Based on the coefficient of determination (R2), the model accounted for 68% to 89% variation in the observed data. The intercept of the regression line varied from 0.01 to 0.08, and the slope, 0.75 to 0.99. The Nash–Sutcliffe modeling efficiency coefficient (NSE) varied from 0.62-0.89, the Percent bias (PBIAS) values varied from -1.99% to 1.16%. The root mean square error-observations standard deviation ratio (RSR) values varied from 0.33 to 0.61. The values for the evaluation parameters show that the model was able to simulate the water flow through the soil profile reasonably well.

scholarly journals Managing grazing lands to improve soils and promote climate change adaptation and mitigation: a global synthesis

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia DeLonge ◽  
Andrea Basche
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Soil Carbon ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Soil Water Infiltration ◽  
Stocking Rates

AbstractThe potential to improve soils to help farmers and ranchers adapt to and mitigate climate change has generated significant enthusiasm. Within this discussion, grasslands have surfaced as being particularly important, due to their geographic range, their capacity to store substantial quantities of carbon relative to cultivated croplands and their potential role in mitigating droughts and floods. However, leveraging grasslands for climate change mitigation and adaptation will require a better understanding of how farmers and ranchers who rely on them for their livelihoods can improve management and related outcomes. To investigate opportunities for such improvements, we conducted a meta-analysis of field experiments that investigated how soil water infiltration rates are affected by a range of management options: adding complexity to grazing patterns, reducing stocking rates or extended rest from grazing. Further, to explore the relationships between observed changes in soil water infiltration and soil carbon, we identified papers that reported data on both metrics. We found that in 81.9% of all cases, responses of infiltration rates to identified management treatments (response ratios) were above zero, with infiltration rates increasing by 59.3 ± 7.3%. Mean response ratios from unique management categories were not significantly different, although the effect of extended rest (67.9 ± 8.5%, n = 140 from 31 experiments) was slightly higher than from reducing stocking rates (42.0 ± 10.8%; n = 63 from 17 experiments) or adding complexity (34.0 ± 14.1%, n = 17 from 11 experiments). We did not find a significant effect of several other variables, including treatment duration, mean annual precipitation or soil texture; however, analysis of aridity indices suggested that grazing management may have a slightly larger effect in more humid environments. Within our database, we found that 42% of complexity studies, 41% of stocking rate studies and 29% of extended rest studies also reported at least some measure of soil carbon. Within the subset of cases where both infiltration rates and carbon were reported, response ratios were largely positive for both variables (at least 64% of cases had positive mean response ratios in all management categories). Overall, our findings reveal that a variety of management strategies have the potential to improve soil water infiltration rates, with possible benefits for soil carbon as well. However, we identified a shortage of well-replicated and detailed experiments in all grazing management categories, and call for additional research of both soil water and soil carbon properties for these critical agroecosystems.

scholarly journals Water infiltration rate in the soil under different uses and covers in the Poxim River basin, Sergipe, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 321-339
Author(s):  
Lucas dos Santos Batista ◽  
Raimundo Rodrigues Gomes Filho ◽  
Clayton Moura de Carvalho ◽  
Alceu Pedrotti ◽  
Igor Leonardo Nascimento Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Recharge ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Infiltration Rate ◽  
Water Dynamics ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
No Till ◽  
Soil Water Infiltration

Watersheds are units of planning and environmental management having a great importance in the management of water resources and their use. To this end, knowledge about the soil's physical and water attributes is of paramount importance in the context of water dynamics in aquifer recharge areas. Water infiltration rate into the soil is considered an important variable in the hydrological cycle, as the increase in this process can lead to a reduction in erosion and consequently greater groundwater recharge. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the soil water infiltration rate in the phytophysiognomy of the Poxim River basin in the State of Sergipe, in the agriculture, eucalyptus and forest areas, and to observe the effect of the infiltration water rate in areas of no-till, minimum and conventional cultivation. The soil water infiltration rate was obtained through the use of double cylinder infiltrometer and estimated through the mathematical models of Kostiakov, Kostiakov-Lewis, Horton and Philip. When making comparisons between the models for estimating of soil water infiltration rates, the Horton model showed a better fit compared to the other models used, and the type of soil cover that obtained the highest infiltration rate was the forest. No-till areas provided higher water infiltration rates in the soil, contributing to greater groundwater recharge.

scholarly journals Soil Freeze-Thaw and Water Transport Characteristics Under Different Vegetation Types in Seasonal Freeze-Thaw Areas of the Loess Plateau

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanfeng Bo ◽  
Zhanbin Li ◽  
Peng Li ◽  
Guoche Xu ◽  
Lie Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
The Loess Plateau ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
Freezing Period ◽  
Thawing Processes ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Soil Water Movement

In the arid and semi-arid regions of the Loess Plateau, seasonal freezing and thawing influence soil water movement, and water movement directly influences vegetation growth. However, currently, research with regard to freezing and thawing processes under various vegetation types and the mechanism of soil water movement is lacking. Therefore, the present study explored soil water migration characteristics of two typical vegetation types [arbor land (AL) and shrub land (SL)] on the Loess Plateau during seasonal freezing and thawing processes using bare land (BL) as a control. We used field measured data for hourly soil temperature (ST) and soil water content (SWC) at a depth of 100 cm below the soil surface from November 2017 to March 2018. Freezing and thawing process was divided into three stages based on ST change (initial freezing period, stable freezing period, and thawing period). Compared with previous studies in this area, ST is lower than expected, and SWC migration characteristics are also different. The results revealed that: 1) the maximum freezing depth of AL and SL was 60 cm, which was 30 cm less than that of BL. The freezing date of each soil layer in BL was the earliest and average ST value was the lowest. BL had the highest degree of freezing. The freezing of all soil layers in AL occurred at a later date than that of SL. ST and the minimum soil freezing temperatures were higher than those of SL, and the capacity of AL to resist freezing was higher; 2) the SWCs in AL and BL at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm decreased, whereas SWCs of AL and BL at a depth of 60 cm increased by 152 and 146%, respectively. The SWCs of SL at soil depths of 0–10 cm, 10–30 cm, and 30–60 cm increased by 46.3, 78.4 and 205%, respectively. The amount and distribution of soil moisture in SL were optimum when compared to those of AL and BL. The results of the present study could provide a scientific basis for vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid areas of the Loess Plateau.

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