Linking water and nutrients through the vadose zone: a fungal interface between the soil and plant systems

Plant water availability, use, and management have largely focused on physical processes of infiltration and the role of roots in uptake and transpiration. However, roots and mycorrhizal fungi redistribute water in complex patterns. Here I describe some of our observations and experiments showing that mycorrhizal fungi play key roles in moving water for both transpiration and to facilitate nutrient acquisition under dry conditions. Mycorrhizal fungal hyphae grow from both surface and deep roots even into bedrock to help extract water under dry conditions. In both deep and surface roots, mycorrhizal fungi acquire water from pores too small for roots and root hairs to access, and at distances from roots and root hairs. Mycorrhizal fungi are also able to utilize hydraulic-lifted water from plants to obtain nutrients in extremely dry surface soils. The importance of these root symbionts in water and nutrient dynamics, and as integrators of surface and deeper water dynamics need further investigation.

Dynamic influence of Holocene characteristics on vadose water in typical region of central North China Plain

In the typical region of central North China Plain, vadose sediments are Holocene sediment strata. With samples from field drillings, the study analyzes the sedimentary characteristics of vadose zone. The study takes the content of silty sand as the basis for sedimentary environment analysis, and the content of clay and sand as the sensitive indicator for sedimentary characteristics. Combining palynology analysis, the study divides vadose zone from top to bottom into diluvia oxbow lacustrine sediments, lacustrine sediments, lacustrine and swamp sediments, weak palaeohydrodynamic lacustrine sediments and alluvial sediments. Based on the sedimentary characteristics of Holocene strata, it analyzes the changes across depth of vadose zone water potential and matrix potential, obtaining the influence of vadose zone sedimentary characteristics on the migration of water in typical region of central North China Plain.

Thermodynamic transport mechanism of water freezing-thawing in the vadose zone in the alpine meadow of the Tibet Plateau

High altitude,cold and dry climate,strong solar radiation,and high evapotranspiration intensity have created an extremely fragile ecological and geological environment on the Tibet Plateau.Since the heat in the vadose zone is primarily generated by the external solar radiation energy,and evapotranspiration is contingent on the consumption of vadose heat,the intensity of evapotranspiration is associated with the intensity of solar radiation and the heat budget in the vadose zone.However,the spatial and temporal variation of heat budget and thermodynamic transfer process of the vadose zone in the frigid region are not clear,which hinders the revelation of the dynamic mechanism of evapotranspiration in the vadose zone in the frigid region.With the moisture content of the vadose zone in the alpine regions being the research object,the paper conducts in-situ geothermal observation tests,takes meteorological characteristics into consideration,and adopts the method of geothermal gradient and numerical computation to analyse the temporal and spatial variation rule of heat budget and thermodynamic transmission process of the vadose zone in the high and cold regions.The results show there is a positive correlation between air temperature,ground temperature,and water content of the vadose zone in both thawing and freezing periods.According to the change law of geothermal gradient,the thermodynamic transfer process of the vadose zone has four stages:slow exothermic heating,fast endothermic melting,slow endothermic cooling,and fast exothermic freezing.From the surface down,the moisture freezing rate of the vadose zone is slightly higher than the melting rate.This is of great significance for understanding the evapotranspiration dynamic process of the vadose zone and protecting and rebuilding the ecological and geological environment in the high and cold regions.

Formation and evolution of Emeishan basalt saprolite in vadose zones of Touzhai landslide source rockmass

In order to explain the formation process of slope hazards, and to identify the key factors leading to instability of a slope, Emeishan basalt saprolite in vadose zones of the Touzhai landslide in Zhaotong, Yunnan, was studied. The formation and evolution of Emeishan basalt saprolite was examined using, amongst other techniques, field investigations,thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy(SEM) observations, chemical analysis, physical and water-physical property tests of rock masses. Field observations revealed that the majority of the weathered rock blocks were presented as a concentric layer structure in which an internal corestone was enveloped with several layers of external saprolized crust. Chemical and mineralogical analysis identified that iron was the most sensitive element and that the weathering progress usually started with the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ in rock blocks. Alkaline elements such as Si, Ca, Mg, Na and K were also dissolved and Fe and Al were concentrated in saprolized crusts. Results indicated that loss on ignition(LOI) also increased significantly. SEM results showed that the weathering intensity of thebasalt blocks decreased gradually from the outside to the inside, and the mineral morphology significantly differed on both sides of the weathering front. The saprolized crusts presented cellular microstructure features due to the generation of micropore and clay minerals. Thin section analysis showed that plagioclase was relatively more stable than pyroxene and chlorite during weathering. With a centripetal propagation of the weathering front, saprolized crusts became thicker and corestones became smaller; fresh Emeishan basalt blocks gradually turned into saprolized blocks. Due to the loose structure and low strength of saprolite, the quality of the Emeishan basalt mass significantly deteriorated, this being a potentially important factor which caused the Touzhai landslide to occur.

Water Flow Path Characterization in Shallow Vadose Zone Using Tensiometers

In this project, we will present the findings of a study using Tensiometer systems designed to investigate the water flow path pattern in shallow vadose zone. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate water flow path in shallow vadose zone and to calculate the infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity of a soil using Tensiometer. We have measured the subsurface water flow paths in sandy clay loam soil following infiltration experiment using Tensiometers. The matric potential and hydraulic conductivity measurements show that subsequent infiltration and water movement in unsaturated (vadose) zone are vertical, but it can have large lateral component under steady condition. This shows that water moves generally from high water content to lower water content region. Average pressure head for the percolation test conduction locations EB and HB was -30 and -80 cm respectively. Hysteresis produces another interesting situation when the soil is drained. We found that the wetter portion of the soil in vadose zone could be at a lower potential (head) than the dryer portions, resulting in lateral driving force for a preferential flow of water from the dryer to the wet soil. The infiltration rate for the 5 cm ponded water was calculated at 5.45 cm/hr. The infiltration rate curve shows that the rate of infiltration decreases with the time. When infiltration first starts, the wetting front is steep and very close to the surface. Similarly, due to the pressure head gradient, large value for infiltration is recorded. Under these conditions, we believe that the gradient in pressure head is responsible for the rapid movement of water into the dry soil. The effect of gravity is less on water during the initial stages of infiltration;however, it is more effective for preferential flow pattern. In the latter infiltration event, the wetting front has moved deeper into the soil. As a result, the pressure head gradient at the surface is much smaller and consequently has little effect. When the pressure head is equal zero, infiltration rate approaches almost to the lowest level. We also observed that even a minor change in soil-water pressure due to slope could change both direction and magnitude of water flux.

Modeling Water Infiltration and Solute Transfer in a Heterogeneous Vadose Zone as a Function of Entering Flow Rates

Due to its rapid movement, preferential flow (PF) in the vadose zone allows much faster contaminant transport, which may have a significant impact on ground-water quality. PF can occur in heterogeneous vadose zones and it strongly depends on hydric and hydraulic conditions like entering flow rates at surface. This study deals with the modeling of the establishment of PF, and related solute transfer during the infiltration phase in a strongly heterogeneous glaciofluvial deposit. This deposit is made of four contrasting lithofacies (sand, gravel, bimodal gravel and matrix-free gravel) and lies underneath an urban infiltration basin (Lyon, France). Previous studies have been carried out on this site and linked the regionalization of soil pollution with the lithological heterogeneity. But none of them clearly demonstrated how heterogeneity could impact flow and solute transfer and may explain such a regionalization. In this study, we model flow and solute transfer at the trench scale for both uniform and heterogeneous profiles in order to characterize the effect of lithological heterogeneity. In addition, such a modeling was performed for two different entering flow rates to depict the influence of condition at surface on PF. A key result is that heterogeneity clearly impacts unsaturated flow and solute transfer. Numerical modeling permitted pointing out the existence of PF paths associated with the sedimentary heterogeneity of the glaciofluvial deposit. For lower surface fluxes, the sand lens and matrix-free gravel were the sources of capillary barrier effects, leading to a funneled flow and a groundwater recharge characterized by earlier and more dispersed wetting fronts. Such a flow pattern enhances solutes transfer and reduces solute retention by soil. Thus, the effect of heterogeneity on solute transfer is significant, especially for the most reactive solutes.

In-situ nitrogen fate in the vadose zone of different soil types and its implications for groundwater quality in the Huaihe River Basin,China

This paper focused on nitrate fate in the vadose zone(VZ)and its implications for groundwater vulnerability under different soil types in the agricultural area of Huaihe River Basin,China.Isotopic compositions of nitrate(δ15N andδ18O)along with NO3-and Cl-concentrations were determined in the VZ-shallow groundwater continuum beneath silty-loam and silty-clay-loam,which are distinctive in texture and organic carbon(OC).In the soil zone(<1 m in depth),measuredδ18O-NO3-suggested the ubiquitous of nitrification regardless of soil types.In the subsoil zone(>1 m in depth),however,the concurrent enrichment ofδ15N-NO3-andδ18O-NO3-indicated the occurrence of denitrification,which showed a dependence on subsoil properties.Specifically,during wheat and maize land uses,denitrification removed as much as 76%-88%of the total nitrate where the subsoil was dominated by stratified OC-rich silty-clay-loam.In contrast,only 0%-28%of the nitrate was degraded via denitrification where the subsoil was composed of uniform,OC-depleted silty-loam.Furthermore,inactive denitrification and higher permeability in the silty-loam VZ implied higher groundwater vulnerability.This observation was consistent with the fact that groundwater NO3--N concentration beneath silty-loam(11.24 mg L-1)was over two times higher than that of the silty-clay-loam(5.32 mg L-1),where stricter fertilization management and conservation strategies should be applied to protect groundwater quality.

Biophysical Evaluation of the Vadose Zone at a Landfill Site in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The vadose zone of a landfill site proposed as an integrated waste management facility was evaluated based on geohydrological, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the groundwater and underlying soil. These data were also used to assess the attenuation capacity of the zone by the use of microbial degradation test of some major constituents including fatty acids, organic nitrogen and chloride of the leachate for a 28-day period. The main soil type in vadose zone consisted of brownish clayey sand of low permeability. The depth to water table which is equal to the thickness of the vadose zone varied from 8 - 13 m. Groundwater flowed with a hydraulic gradient of approximately 4.0 × 10Dž and a pore velocity of 1.6 × 10Dž cm/sec. The results of the biodegradation tests showed that the major constituents of the leachate such as ammonia/organic nitrogen, phosphate and organic carbon were completely degraded within 28 days. The population of aerobic bacteria within the 6 m soil depth was sufficient to bring about over 0.05% organic carbon removal. The soil characteristics in the vadose zone are very favourable for the occurrence of natural attenuation. The potential natural attenuation capacity of the vadose zone is therefore classified as moderate to high.

Seasonal shifts in the solute ion ratios of vadose zone rock moisture from the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory

One of the greatest challenges in critical zone studies is to document the moisture dynamics, water flux,and solute chemistry of the unsaturated, fractured and weathered bedrock that lies between the soil and groundwater table. The central impediment to quantifying this component of the subsurface is the difficulty associated with direct observations. Here, we report solute chemistry as a function of depth collected over a full year across the shale-derived vadose zone of the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory using a set of novel sub-horizontal wellbores,referred to as the vadose zone monitoring system. The results of this first geochemical glimpse into the deep vadose zone indicate a dynamic temporal and depth-resolved structure. Major cation concentrations reflect seasonal changes in precipitation and water saturation, and normalized ratios span the full range of values reported for the world's largest rivers.

毛乌素沙地包气带气态水同位素特征及其运移规律

为揭示包气带气态水在大气、土壤和地下水之间交换对内部水与能量传递的响应,该研究应用原位监测、同位素示踪与数值分析相结合的方法,对毛乌素沙地包气带气态水时空变化特征与运移规律进行分析。结果表明,受大气水汽来源和局地循环影响,降水δD_(L)和δ^(18)OL值均表现出春夏富集、秋冬贫化。各深度土壤气态水δ^(18)O_(a)与液态水δ^(18)OL值呈显著正相关(P<0.01),但在季节上,春夏季为极显著线性正相关(P<0.01),而秋冬季则无显著相关性(P=0.12)。表层水汽通量的增大伴随δ^(18)O_(a)富集,而水汽密度夏季的增大和冬季的减小均表现出表层δ^(18)O_(a)富集,夏季蒸发比冬季冻结更能引起表层土壤δ^(18)O_(a)富集。受包气带温度梯度驱动影响,夏季土壤深部气态水接受浅层水汽补给,冬季浅层接受中深层水汽的补给,而春、秋季剖面分别存在温度聚合和发散零通量面,使得补给关系复杂。该研究明确了土壤δ^(18)O_(a)的变化受水汽迁移模式、大气蒸发能力和土壤冻融的共同控制,表层δ^(18)O_(a)的富集在冬季受蒸发与向上的水汽传输共同影响,而夏季主要受土壤水的昼夜蒸发与凝结循环作用所致,该结果为厘清土壤水汽迁移机制以及进一步阐明包气带水循环过程提供科学依据。

渭河流域浅层包气带土体温度分布规律及变化模式

大气温度、太阳辐射强度、降雨量、空气湿度等气象要素决定浅层土体温度的变化.以黄土高原渭河流域西部黄土丘陵沟壑区作为研究区域,建立野外观测站,对该区域浅层包气带土体温度对气候变化的响应过程进行实时监测.通过现场监测和理论分析发现土体温度分布规律及变化模式如下:气象要素只对变温带的土体的温度有影响,且大气温度和太阳辐射强度是影响变温带土体温度的主要因素,土层越深,其影响程度越小;相位随着土体的深度呈线性平移,即土体温度是存在滞后效应的,经分析,土体在地下深度760 cm处的温度曲线的相位与地表处正好相反,此处温度恰好滞后于地表半年时间.通过监测数据预测该地区恒温带深度为1193 cm,恒温带温度为13.152℃;在计算土体温度理论滞后时间时将土体的热扩散系数看作是一常数,导致土体温度滞后时间的理论值与实测值有所差异,随着土层的加深,两者的差距越来越小.

基于TMVOC模拟的大气压力波动对土壤中苯迁移转化影响研究

为探究大气压力波动下苯系物(BTEX)的迁移转化规律,提升石化污染场地土壤地下水污染治理水平,以西北某炼化场地为研究对象,结合室内土柱试验与TMVOC软件模拟,开展BTEX泄漏模拟,研究不同大气压力波动幅度下苯在包气带与含水层中的迁移转化规律。结果表明:大气压力循环波动会引起包气带中的气相苯发生相间非平衡态迁移,导致气相质量分数增加0.1%~0.5%;非水相液体(NAPL)污染物转化为气相污染物,进而通过大气挥发是主要的质量损失方式,该转化会造成场地及周边的大气环境污染;同时大气压力波动的幅度与气相转变发生时间存在负线性相关关系。研究显示,大气压力波动显著影响了苯的相态转化与迁移过程,促进了苯的相态转化,使得更多的苯转化为气相,造成大气环境污染。

华北平原制革废水Cr(Ⅲ)和氨氮在典型包气带中迁移模拟与污染评价

【研究目的】为探明制革废水中的特征污染物铬(Cr(Ⅲ))和氨氮(NH_(4)^(+)–N)在华北平原典型包气带中的迁移规律,评价其可能产生的土壤与地下水污染风险。【研究方法】采用土柱淋滤实验研究Cr(Ⅲ)和NH_(4)^(+)–N在典型粉土中的吸附和迁移转化特征,结合Hydrus–1D建立的包气带水流和溶质运移模型,模拟预测深0.5 m渗坑中NH_(4)^(+)–N连续入渗状态下通过包气带到达地下水面所需时间及不同深度浓度值的变化规律。【研究结果】在3 cm定水头,污染液(Cr(Ⅲ)20 mg/L,NH_(4)^(+)–N 250 mg/L)定浓度持续淋滤120 d的情况下,Cr(Ⅲ)在土柱中垂向迁移距离小于10 cm,且以残渣态(73%)为主,未检出Cr(VI)。NH_(4)^(+)–N则迁移能力较强,淋滤40 d后即穿透50 cm厚粉土柱。在高含盐量(电导率为10.08 ms/cm)条件下,NH_(4)^(+)–N在粉土中的迁移主要受吸附作用控制,土-水分配系数为25.87 L/kg,未发生硝化作用。持续淋滤150 d时NH_(4)^(+)–N迁移至地下水面(18 m埋深)且浓度超过Ⅲ类地下水质量标准(0.5 mg/L,GB/T 14848–2017),在223 d完全穿透包气带,严重污染地下水。【结论】高含盐量制革废水中Cr(Ⅲ)在粉土中迁移能力较弱,且难以被氧化为Cr(Ⅵ),对地下水威胁较小。NH_(4)^(+)–N则随水流快速迁移至地下水面,严重威胁地下水安全。

利用ArcGIS研究密怀顺回补区地下水位时空变化

密怀顺地区是北京市重要的水源涵养区,直接影响着主城区的供水安全。2014年南水北调盈余水量通过潮白河河道回补地下水,地下水位持续抬升,地下水升幅带不断变厚,包气带厚度变薄。基于ArcGIS软件,通过对区域地下水位2014—2022年进行研究,结果表明:研究区地下水位持续快速升高,升幅为26.38 m,其中密云区升幅19.01 m,怀柔区升幅28.26 m,顺义区升幅31.67 m;地下水位低升幅带面积为144.47 km^(2),占研究区面积的29.67%,地下水位中升幅带面积约为128.85 km^(2),占研究区面积的26.47%,地下水位高升幅带面积约为213.52 km^(2),占研究区面积的43.86%;研究区包气带厚度由43.07 m减小至16.69 m,减少了26.38 m,其中密云区由43.42 m减小至24.41 m,减少了19.01 m,怀柔区由39.38 m减小至11.13 m,减少了28.26 m,顺义区由45.83 m减小至14.11 m,减少了31.72 m。结果基本反映了该地区地下水时空变化特征,分区结果可进一步支撑地下水管理、地下水政策制定及地下水型水源地的精细化管理。

Groundwater recharge via precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert,China

Precipitation infiltration serves as a significant source of groundwater in the Badain Jaran Desert.To investigate variations in precipitation infiltration within the desert,this study collected data on moisture content and temperature from the vadose zone through in-situ field monitoring.Utilizing these data,a numerical model is employed to explore the mechanism of groundwater recharge via precipitation.The results are as follows:(1)Moisture content and temperature in the shallow vadose zone exhibit significant seasonal variations,with moisture content diminishing with increasing depth;(2)Groundwater recharge via precipitation infiltration initially increases and then decreases with groundwater level depth(GWD).Peak groundwater recharge via precipitation occurs at a GWD of 0.75 m,decreasing to merely 0.012 cm at GWDs exceeding 2 m;(3)Groundwater is no longer susceptible to phreatic water evaporation when the GWD reaches approximately 3.7 m.Therefore,GWD plays a crucial role in governing groundwater recharge via precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert.

北方岩溶区降水入渗补给系数及补给机制:以羊庄岩溶水系统为例

为建立北方岩溶区水文地质参数系列,提高岩溶地下水可采资源计算精度,笔者团队于20世纪80年代开始,在山东羊庄封闭式泉排型岩溶水系统开展了岩溶水均衡试验研究,积累了40余年的监测试验数据。根据长期野外水均衡要素观测资料,推导出裸露型、半覆盖型和覆盖型岩溶区降水入渗补给系数计算公式,建立了岩溶区降水入渗补给系数α与降水量P和地下水位埋深D的相关方程,以及可调控的最大降水入渗补给系数系列,揭示了降水入渗补给过程与α变化机制。结果表明:α随水位埋深D的改变而改变,每个降水量P段分别对应一个最大降水入渗补给系数α_(max)和最大降水入渗补给量即补给极限G_(max),相应的水位埋深便是最佳水位埋深D_(critical)。D>D_(critical)时,包气带截留量随着水位埋深的增大而增大,α<α_(max);D<D_(critical)时,地表径流量随着地下水位埋深的减小而增大,α<α_(max)。不同的降水量段对应不同的D_(critical),降水量增大时,对应的α_(max)及D_(critical)也增大。在任意水位埋深时,G_(max)为蓄满产流临界降水量与包气带最大截流量之差。本研究解决了岩溶区降水入渗补给的关键科学问题,即揭示降水入渗补给机制、建立降水入渗补给系数与降水量和水位埋深的定量关系,提升了我国北方岩溶水资源基础性研究水平。

冻结过程中硝酸盐在包气带中运移特征的试验研究

为了探究包气带中硝酸盐在冻结过程中的运移规律,采用KNO_(3)作为典型污染组分,通过室内模拟试验,对温度、未冻水含量、溶液浓度等重点参数进行分析。结果表明:在试验条件下,剖面上垂向的水分运移比较明显,随着冻结锋面的下移,锋面处液态水含量变小,毛细负压减小,毛细力增强,导致下部的水分向上部移动,冻结封面的影响范围在10 cm左右,而且越靠近冻结锋面未冻水含量越小;未冻水含量与溶液浓度有着明显的负相关关系,在冻结过程中,随着固态冰的增多,未冻水含量减少,溶液中的溶质会往液态水中迁移,所以未冻水含量在减少的同时,溶液的浓度却在不断增大;溶液初始浓度0.3 mg/L,因为冻结过程而发生溶质迁移后的浓度为0.35~0.5 mg/L。

典型引黄灌区包气带与地下水动态响应试验

【目的】开展银川平原引黄灌溉引起的包气带和地下水的动态响应试验,研究“灌溉水-包气带水-地下水”的转换过程和规律。【方法】以典型引黄灌区水田为研究对象,运用水文地质学、土壤水动力学等学科理论对原位试验观测资料数值分析,借助Origin、SPSS等统计分析软件进行数据处理,利用Hydrus-1D、Surfer等数值模拟软件进行拟合和插值分析。【结果】结果得出,灌溉过程中包气带各埋深层位的水分和负压变化呈显著相关性,相关系数达0.9以上;运用Hydrus-1D拟合田间土壤水分特征曲线,发现叠加各埋深层位可得到较连续的拟合曲线;在多次灌溉入渗试验中,第1次灌溉入渗引起的地下水动态响应最快,灌溉后响应时间为388.8 min;运用地下水灌溉响应法定量测算灌溉入渗能力,算得田间灌溉入渗系数均值为0.202;对地下水位动态进行插值分析,发现回灌逐步形成“水丘”中心,地下水流场也随之发生变化;通过地下水补给源项分析,引黄灌区内灌溉水对地下水的年灌溉补给贡献率达79%。【结论】通过原位田间试验,进一步厘清引黄灌区的包气带特性和地下水响应过程,发现引黄灌溉对灌区地下水的补给和流场特征有着决定性的作用,为提高引黄水量利用率和包气带-地下水资源评估、管理及调控提供一定科学支撑。

石油烃污染场地污染快速识别技术研究

依据石油烃污染物在土壤地下水中的物理、化学及生物反应特性,建立了基于包气带挥发性石油烃、石油烃代谢气体产物快速检测的污染识别方法。与目前国家规范规定的“常规布点-钻探取样-实验室检测”流程相比较吻合度高,操作简便、快速。两种方法结合,可大幅提升石化类场地土壤地下水现状调查、污染范围圈定等工作的效率,降低成本,提高污染捕捉率。

基于参数敏感性分析的轻质非水相液体在非均质包气带中迁移模拟研究

利用TOUGH2程序构建室内实验尺度多相流数值模型,基于扰动分析法,对模型中的介质孔隙度、绝对渗透率、残余水饱和度(S wr)、残余非水相(NAPL)饱和度(S nr)、进气值参数(α)进行敏感性分析,在此基础上设计中砂夹粗砂层和夹细砂层两种非均质条件情景,探究轻质非水相液体(LNAPL)以不同速率泄漏以及地下水位波动时的迁移过程。结果表明:(1)模型参数敏感度呈绝对渗透率>S nr>α>S wr>孔隙度的规律,S nr、α、S wr与LNAPL稳定饱和度呈正线性相关,绝对渗透率与其呈负线性相关。(2)主要由于介质间绝对渗透率的差异,中砂介质中的细砂夹层阻滞、粗砂夹层促进LNAPL迁移,泄漏速率的增大致使细砂夹层阻滞作用更为显著。(3)地下水位波动扩大LNAPL横、纵向污染范围,降低夹层内LNAPL饱和度,水位上升,细砂夹层下界面、粗砂夹层上界面阻滞LNAPL抬升,主要由于介质绝对渗透率的差异,两种非均质情景对地下水位波动的响应特征不同。