Spatial distribution of soil salinization under the influence of human activities in arid areas,China

The Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China belongs to arid desert climate,with significant soil salinization issues.The study selected six rivers in Hotan Prefecture(Pishan,Qaraqash,Yurungqash,Celle,Kriya,and Niya rivers)to explore the spatial distribution of soil salinization in this area and its underlying mechanisms.Sampling was conducted along each river's watershed,from the Gobi in the upper reaches,through the anthropogenic impact area in the middle reaches,to the desert area in the lower reaches.Soil physical-chemical indicators,including total soluble salts,pH,K+,Na+,Ca2+,Mg2+,SO42-,Cl-,CO32-,HCO3-,organic matter,available nitrogen,available phosphorus,and available potassium,were tested,along with the total dissolved solids of surface water and groundwater.The results revealed that the soil water and nutrient contents in anthropogenic impact area were higher than those in Gobi and desert areas,while the pH and total soluble salts were lower than those in Gobi and desert areas.The ions in the soil of the study area were primarily Cl-,SO42-,K+,and Na+,and the ion concentration of soil salt were positively correlated with surface water and groundwater.Overall,the study area exhibited low soil water content,low clay content,infertile soil,and high soil salinization,dominated by weak to moderate chloride-sulfate types.Compared with Gobi and desert areas,the soil in anthropogenic impact area had higher soil water content,lower pH,lower soluble salts,and higher nutrients,indicating that human farming activities help mitigate salinization.These findings have practical implications for guiding the scientific prevention and control of soil salinization in the arid areas and for promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Spatial distribution of soil moisture,salinity and organic matter in Manas River watershed,Xinjiang,China

With the classical statistical and geostatistical methods, the study of the spatial distribution and its in- fluence factors of soil water, salinity and organic matter was carried out for 0-70 cm soil layers in Manas River watershed. The results showed that the soil moisture data from all soil layers exhibited a normal distribution, with average values of 14.08%-21.55%. Geostatistical analysis revealed that the content of soil moisture had a moder- ate spatial autocorrelation with the ratios of nugget/sill ranging from 0.500 to 0.718, which implies that the spatial pattern of soil moisture is influenced by the combined effects of structural factors and random factors. Remarkable spatial distributions with stripped and mottled features were found for soil moisture in all different soil layers. The landform and crop planting had a relatively big influence on the spatial distribution of soil moisture; total soil salinity was high in east but low in west, and non-salinized soil and lightly salinized soil appeared at the northwest and southwest of the study area. Under the effect of reservoir leakage, the heavily salinized soils are widely distributed in the middle of the study area. The areas of the non-salinized and lightly salinized soils decreased gradually with soil depth increment, which is contrary to the case for saline soils that reached a maximum of 245.67 km2 at the layer of 50-70 cm. The types of soil salinization in Manas River watershed were classified into four classes： the sulfate, chloride-sulfate, sulfate-chloride and chloride. The sulfate salinized soil is most widely distributed in the surface layer. The areas of chloride-sulfate, sulfate-chloride, and chloride salinized soils increased gradually along with the increment of soil depth; the variation range of the average values of soil organic matter content was be- tween 7.48%-11.33%. The ratios of nugget/sill reduced gradually from 0.698 to 0.299 with soil depth increment, which shows that the content of soil organic matter has a moderate spatial autocorrelation. The soil organic matter in all soil layers met normal distribution after logarithmic transformation. The spatial distribution patterns of soil or- ganic matter and soil moisture were similar; the areas with high organic matter contents were mainly distributed in the south of the study area, with the lowest contents in the middle.

The Impacts of Supplemental Irrigation Based on Soil Moisture Measurement and Nitrogen Use on Winter Wheat Yield and Nitrogen Absorption and Distribution

Based on split plot design method of field test,the impacts of supplemental irrigation based on soil moisture measurement and nitrogen use on winter wheat yield and nitrogen absorption and distribution were studied.Supplemental irrigation had three levels: 60%(W_1),70%(W_2) and 80%(W3) of the targeted relative water content at 0-40 cm of soil layer during jointing period of winter wheat.Nitrogen fertilization had three levels: not using nitrogen(N_0),using pure nitrogen of 195 kg/hm^2(N_(195)) and 255 kg/hm^2(N_(255)).Results showed that:(i)different supplemental irrigation and nitrogen fertilization significantly affected plant height and leaf area of winter wheat during key growth period.Under the same supplemental irrigation treatment,both plant height and leaf area of winter wheat showed as N_(255)> N_(195)> N_0(P <0.05).Plant height in N_(195) and N_(255)treatments was significantly higher than that in N_0 treatment,but there was not significant difference between N_(195) and N_(255)(P >0.05).Under the same nitrogen fertilization,plant height in W_2(569.4 m^3/hm^2) and W3(873.45 m^3/hm^2) treatments was significant higher than that in W_1(265.2 m^3/hm^2),but there was not significant difference between W_2 and W3(P >0.05).It illustrated that excessive nitrogen fertilization and supplemental irrigation did not significantly affect plant height and leaf area of winter wheat.(ii) Under the same nitrogen fertilization level,yield increase effect of winter wheat by supplemental irrigation showed a declining trend with nitrogen application amount increased.It illustrated that nitrogen fertilization and supplemental irrigation had certain critical values on the yield of winter wheat.When surpassing the critical value,the yield declined.When nitrogen fertilization amount was 195 kg/hm^2,and supplemental irrigation amount was 70% of field moisture capacity(569.4 m^3/hm^2),the highest yield 8500 kg/hm^2 could be obtained.(iii) During mature period of winter wheat,nitrogen accumulation amount of plant treated by nitrogen was significantly higher than that not treated by nitrogen(P <0.05).But under the treatments of W_2 and W3,nitrogen accumulation amount in N_(255) significantly declined when compared with N_(195)(P <0.05).Especially under W3(873.45 m^3/hm^2) level,nitrogen accumulation amount in N_(255) was even lower than N_0.Under the treatments of N_0 and N_(195),nitrogen accumulation amount of plant significantly increased with supplemental irrigation increased(P < 0.05).But under N_(255) treatment,there was not significant difference(P > 0.05).It illustrated that moderate supplemental irrigation and nitrogen fertilization could improve nitrogen absorption ability of winter wheat,but excessive supplemental irrigation and nitrogen fertilization were not favorable for plant's nitrogen absorption.(iv) Although the increase of supplemental irrigation during jointing period improved nitrogen absorption ability of winter wheat and promoted winter wheat absorbing more nitrogen,it inhibited nitrogen transferring and distributing to seed.Comprehensively considering growth condition of winter wheat and nitrogen risk condition,it is suggested that nitrogen application amount was 195 kg/hm^2,and supplemental irrigation reached 70% of field moisture capacity(569.4 m^3/hm^2),which could be as the suitable water and fertilizer use amounts in the region.

Root distribution and influencing factors of dry-sowing and wet-growing cotton plants under different water conditions

To study the effect of soil water and salt environment factors on the root growth of cotton under different moisture control,three different emergence water volumes(60,105,and 150 m^(3)/hm^(2)),two different frequencies(high frequency and low frequency)and one double film cover winter irrigation control treatment(CK:2250 m^(3)/hm^(2))were set up to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of soil water and salt environment and root density in dry sown and wet emerged cotton fields under diffe-rent moisture control conditions.The results show that the soil water content and water infiltration range gradually become larger with the increase of seedling water quantity,and the larger the seedling water quantity,the higher the soil water content.With the same seedling water quantity,the soil water content of the high-frequency(HF)treatment becomes obviously larger.The soil conductivity of each treatment tends to decrease gradually with the increase of seedling water and drip frequency,among which the distribution of soil conductivity of S6 treatment is closest to that of CK.With the increase in soil depth,the soil conductivity tends to increase first and then decrease.Compared with the low-frequency(LF)treatment,the high-frequency treatment shows a significantly deeper soil salt accumulation layer.The root length density(RLD)of cotton gradually increases with the amount of seedling water and the frequency of dripping.The soil layer of root distribution gradually deepens with the amount of seedling water in the vertical direction,and the RLD value in the horizontal direction is significantly greater in the mulched area than that in the bare area between films.This research can serve as a solid scientific foundation for the use of dry sowing and wet emergence techniques in cotton fields in southern Xinjiang.

Straw ^(14)C Decomposition and Distribution in Humus Fractions as Influenced by Soil Moisture Regimes

14C-tracer technique and closed incubation method were used to study straw 14C decomposition and distribution in different fractions of newly formed humus under different moisture regimes. Decomposition of straw 14C was faster during the initial days, and slower thereafter. Decay rate constants of straw 14C varied from 3.29x10-3 d-1 to 7.06x10-3 d-1. After 112 d incubation, the amount of straw 14C mineralized was 1.17～1.46 times greater in submerged soils than in upland soils. of the soil residual 14C, 9.08%～15.73%was present in humic acid (HA) and 31.01%～37.62% in fulvic acid (FA). Submerged condition favored the formation of HA, and HA/FA ratio of newly formed humus (labelled) was greater in submerged soils than in upland soils. Clay minerals affected the distribution of straw 14C in different humus fractions. Proportion of 14C present in HA to 14C remaining in soil was greater in Vertisol than in Ultisol.

PRIMARY ANALYSIS ON GROUNDWATER,SOIL MOISTURE AND SALINITY IN FUKANG OASIS OF SOUTHERN JUNGGAR BASIN

Soil salinity is the most important factor affecting vegetation distribution,and the secondary salinization has affected the development of oasis agriculture.In arid areas the spatial variation of soil moisture and sa lt content is marked-ly affected by groundwater,irratio nal irrigation in artificial oasis.By analyzing the soil moisture,salt content and groundwa-ter table in different areas of old oasis,new oasis and desert in Fukang Oa sis,it is shown that topography and l and use are main factors affecting the change of groundwater table,the redistribution of soil moisture and salt cont ent.When undis-turbed by human,the groundwater tab le rises from mountain to belt of grou nd water spillage,the groundwater t able rises mightily in plain because of the artificial irrigation,and the secondary salinization of soil is very seriou s.In oasis the ground-water table raises compared with that in the natural desert at the same latitude.In old oasis of upper reaches o f river salt has not been concentrated too much in rhizosphere because this area is the belt of groundwater drainage,soil t exture is coarse,the groundwater table is very low,and the salt in soil is drained i nto the groundwater.The new oasis has been the areas of salt accumulation becau se of the artificial irrigation,the salt content in soil is higher than th at in old oasis,so some cultivated fields here had to be thrown out because of the serious s econdary salinization.

Assimilation of ASAR Data with a Hydrologic and Semi-empirical Backscattering Coupled Model to Estimate Soil Moisture

The most promising approach for studying soil moisture is the assimilation of observation data and computational modeling. However, there is much uncertainty in the assimilation process, which affects the assimilation results. This research developed a one-dimensional soil moisture assimilation scheme based on the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). A two-dimensional hydrologic model-Distributed Hydrology-Soil-Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was coupled with a semi-empirical backscattering model (Oh). The Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) data were assimilated with this coupled model and the field observation data were used to validate this scheme in the soil moisture assimilation experiment. In order to improve the assimilation results, a cost function was set up based on the distance between the simulated backscattering coefficient from the coupled model and the observed backscattering coefficient from ASAR. The EnKF and GA were used to re-initialize and re-parameterize the simulation process, respectively. The assimilation results were compared with the free-run simulations from hydrologic model and the field observation data. The results obtained indicate that this assimilation scheme is practical and it can improve the accuracy of soil moisture estimation significantly.

Utilizing a new soil effective temperature scheme and archived satellite microwave brightness temperature data to estimate surface soil moisture in the Nagqu region, Tibetan Plateau of China

Since the early 2000s, many satellite passive microwave brightness temperature （BT） archives, such as the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System （AMSR-E） BTs, have become the useful resources for assessing the changes in the surface and deep soil moistures over both arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, we used a new soil effective temperature （T scheme and the archived AMSR-E BTs to estimate surface soil moisture （SM） over the Nagqu region in the central Tibetan Plateau, China. The surface and deep soil temperatures required for the calculation of regional-scale T were obtained from outputs of the Community Land Model version 4.5 （CLM4.5）. In situ SM measurements at the CEOP-CAMP/Tibet （Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period Asia-Australia Monsoon Project on the Tibetan Plateau） experimental sites were used to validate the AMSR-E-based SM estimations at regional and single-site scales. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of monthly mean surface SM over the Nagqu region was obtained from 16 daytime AMSR-E BT observations in July 2004 over the Nagqu region. Results revealed that the AMSR-E-based surface SM estimations agreed well with the in situ-based surface SM measurements, with the root mean square error （RMSE） ranging from 0.042 to 0.066 m3/m3 and the coefficient of determination （R2） ranging from 0.71 to 0.92 during the nighttime and daytime. The regional surface soil water state map showed a clear spatial pattern related to the terrain. It indicated that the lower surface SM values occurred in the mountainous areas of the northern, mid-western and southeastern parts of Nagqu region, while the higher surface SM values appeared in the low elevation areas such as the Tongtian River Basin, Namco Lake and bog meadows in the central part of Nagqu region. Our analysis also showed that the new T^scheme does not require special fitting parameters or additional assumptions, which simplifies the data requirements for regional-scale applications. This scheme combined with the archived satellite passive microwave BT observations can be used to estimate the historical surface SM for hydrological process studies over the Tibetan Plateau regions.

Regulations and patterns of soil moisture dynamics and their controlling factors in hilly regions of lower reaches of Yangtze River basin,China

Time-domain reflectometry was used to make continuous measurements of soil moisture to 18 sample points with depth of 2 m for 36 months in a typical artificial secondary oak forest located in a hilly area on Zijin Mountain in the suburbs of Nanjing,China.The data were then used to examine the patterns of soil moisture variations on temporal and spatial scales and predict the relationships between soil moisture and major factors of both meteorology and topography.Water in the topsoil was active,and the upper 30 cm of soil supplied about 43% of the water content variation during the whole year.This difference of water content changes among layers could be due to the distribution conditions of some soil physical properties.When initial soil moisture was in the range from 10% to 40%,the impact of a single storm event on soil moisture was extremely significant,especially on sunny slope.Both climate and slope condition were related to soil moisture change,and the impact of slope gradient on soil moisture was higher that on shady slope.Moreover,root uptake was another important path of soil water consumption.

Distribution Characteristics Comparison of Salix Psammophila Roots under Different Landforms in Mu Us Desert

[Objective] In order to study plant adaptation mechanism under different landforms in drought regions.[Method] Observe soil moisture dynamic of Salix psammophila sample areas on the dune and depression with neutron moisture gauge and research the roots distribution of Salix psammophila sample areas on the dune and depression respectively by digging method.[Result] The quantity of Salix psammophila roots on the dune exponentially decreases while that on the depression decreases by power function in horizontal direction.In vertical direction,Salix psammophila roots on the dune are mainly distributed in 0-30 and 80-120 cm layers as 72% of all,while Salix psammophila roots on the depression are mainly distributed in 0-40 cm layers as 54% of all.[Conclusion] Salix psammophila roots on the dune not only use surface soil water but also use middle-layer groundwater.Salix psammophila roots on the depression primarily use surface soil water.

Spatial Distribution of Soil Salinization Based on GIS in Tianjin Binhai New Area

The distribution of soil salinization was investigated based on GIS and field sampling in Tianjin Binhai New Area. The results showed that the average soil total salt content was 0.818%, with an average pH of 8.43, and the average CI and Na＋ contents were 0.27% and 0.22%, respectively. Presenting zonal distribution feature, the soil total salt content increased gradually from west to east of Binhai New Area. Statistics on the distribution areas of different salinization degrees showed that the area of non-salinzed soils only accounted for 3.18% of the total area; with an area of 107.43 km2, mild saline soil accounted for 6.34% of the total area; the area of moderate saline soil was 173.51 km2, accounting for 10.24%; and the area of sal- inzed soils was 217.36 km2, accounting for 12.82% of the total soil area. The area of saline soils （total salt content 〉0.6%） was 1 142.8 km2, accounting 67.42% of the total land area in Binhai New Area. And the areas for the soils with total salt content of 0.6%-1.0%, 1.0%-1.5%, 〉1.5% were respectively 388.47, 411.82, 342.51 km2, accounting for 22.92%, 24.3%, 20.21% of the total area.

Effect of Salt Solution on Characteristics of Soil Infiltration

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of salt solution on characteristics of soil infiltration, and to provide references for the further studies on the effect of water quality on soil infiltration characteristics and its mechanism. [Method] With the NaCl, CaCl2 solutions as the main test materials, the effect of different water quality and salt solution concentration on soil infiltration was studied under one-dimensional vertical ponded water infiltration at laboratory. [Result] The solution concentration could affect the infiltration performance. The trends of the infiltration rates, cumulative infiltrations and wetting front migration distances were all 50 mg/L 100 mg/L 10 mg/L. At the same concentration, the effect of NaCl solution on soil infiltration characteristics was more significant than CaCl2 solution： in the same time, cumulative infiltration and wetting front migration distance of NaCl solution were greater than CaCl2 solution; compared with NaCl solution, CaCl2 solution took longer time to infiltrate the same amount of water. The dynamic changes of infiltration rate, wetting front and cumulative infiltration were well fitted to the Philip model. [Conclusion] This study only conducted indoor experiment to the infiltration of salt solutions, involving in low concentration and small range. Although it provided some references for the study on the effect of water quality on soil infiltration characteristics and its mechanism, studies in larger areas and with bigger concentrations are demanding.

Correlation Between Soil Water Retention Capability and Soil Salt Content

The soil moisture retention capability of Chao soil and coastal saline Chao soil in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces were measured by pressure membrane method. The main factors influencing soil moisture retention capability were studied by the methods of correlation and path analyses. The results indicated that < 0.02mm physical clay and soil salt content were the main factors influencing soil moisture retention capability. At soil suction of 30-50 kpa, the soil salt content would be the dominant factor.

Performance evaluation of two types of heated cables for distributedtemperature sensing-based measurement of soil moisture content

Distributed temperature sensing(DTS)using heated cables has been recently developed for distributed monitoring of in-situ soil moisture content.In this method,the thermal and electrical properties of heated cables have a significant influence on the measurement accuracy of soil moisture content.In this paper,the performances of two heated cables,i.e.the carbon-fiber heated cable(CFHC)and the metalnet heated cable(MNHC),are studied in the laboratory.Their structures,uniformity in the axial direction,measurement accuracy and suitability are evaluated.The test results indicate that the MNHC has a better uniformity in the axial direction than CFHC.Both CFHC and MNHC have high measurement accuracy.The CFHC is more suitable for short-distance measurement(500 m),while the MNHC can be used for longdistance measurement(>500 m).

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Soil Moisture Drought over China during 2008-2016

Drought has been analyzed by various indices based on rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration or soil moisture data. Remoste-sensing based data has spatial continuity with certain resolution and is useful for drought monitor. The purpose of this study was to investigate quality used of grid relative soil moisture, the spatial and temporal variation of soi moisture, and soil moisture drought based on relative soil moisture over China during 2008-2016. The results show that the relative soil moisture data set can reflect the spatial characteristics of the development of drought in China during 2008-2016. From the spatial distribution analysis, the northwest to northeast, south part of China, and other major arid areas, the performance is particularly evident. The results show that the use of CLDAS V1.0 real-time products, access to time and space continuous soil relative humidity products, can achieve the drought in China real-time

Effect of Vertical Distribution of Soil Water on N₂O Emission under Drip Irrigation

N2O emission has obvious water effect, but the current research is not deep enough. The soil wetting mode of drip irrigation technology is obviously different from that of conventional irrigation. Using the method of soil box indoor simulation, the N2O emission under different soil vertical water content was analyzed. Hydrus Software was used to simulate the soil wetting body under different drip irrigation technical parameters, the relationship between the combination of drip irrigation technical parameters and soil vertical water content was studied, and then the relationship between the N2O emission and the combination of drip irrigation technical parameters was proposed. The results showed that soil N2O emission flux increased with the increase of soil moisture, and the maximum emission flux was three times as much as the minimum emission flux. Under the condition of uniform distribution of soil moisture, soil N2O emission flux was smaller than that under non-uniform distribution of soil moisture. Hydrus software simulation results show that drip flow rate is 2.0 L/h, the irrigation period is 5 days, the irrigation quota is 12 mm, and the soil N2O emission flux is the largest. Adjusting the combination of technical parameters of drip irrigation can reduce soil N2O emission flux.

Nutrient Accumulation and Distribution in Cotton Promoted by Removal of Mulch Film

Plastic film mulching affects changes in nutrient contents in soil and absorption and utilization of nutrients in plants were by changing hydrothermal condition of soil.The temporal and spatial variation of the total soil salt and nutrient contents with mulch film removed at three different times during the early cotton growth stage and its effects on nutrient absorption and accumulation in cotton plants were studied over 2015-2017.The film removal treatments reduced salt accumulation in normal rainfall year(2017).Film removal increased contents of soil organic matter,the total phosphorus and available potassium at the end of growth stage,increased contents of soil hydrolyzable nitrogen and the total nitrogen in the surface soil layer(0-10 cm),and increased the total nitrogen contents in the deep soil layer(40-50 cm).Film removal increased accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in cotton plants in 2017 and accumulation of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium nutrients in cotton plants in heavy rainfall year(2016).These experimental results indicated that removal of mulch film at an appropriate and targeted time in the bud stage of cotton promoted nutrient absorption.

A distributed measurement method for in-situ soil moisture content by using carbon-fiber heated cable

Moisture content is a fundamental physical index that quantifies soil property and is closely associatedwith the hydrological, ecological and engineering behaviors of soil. To measure in-situ soil moisturecontents, a distributed measurement system for in-situ soil moisture content （SM-DTS） is introduced.The system is based on carbon-fiber heated cable （CFHC） technology that has been developed to enhancethe measuring accuracy of in-situ soil moisture content. Using CFHC technique, a temperature characteristicvalue （Tt） can be defined from temperatureetime curves. A relationship among Tt, soil thermalimpedance coefficient and soil moisture content is then established in laboratory. The feasibility of theSM-DTS technology to provide distributed measurements of in-situ soil moisture content is verifiedthrough field tests. The research reported herein indicates that the proposed SM-DTS is capable ofmeasuring in-situ soil moisture content over long distances and large areas.

Isothermal diffusion of water vapor in unsaturated soils based on Fick’s second law

In arid regions, water vapor diffusion predominates the total water migration in unsaturated soil, which significantly influences agriculture and engineering applications. With the aim of revealing the diffusion mechanism of water vapor in unsaturated soil, a water vapor migration test device was developed to conduct the water vapor migration indoor test. The test results demonstrate that the characteristics of water vapor diffusion in unsaturated soil conformed to Fick’s second law. A mathematical model for water vapor diffusion under isothermal conditions in unsaturated soil was established based on Fick’s law. Factors including the initial moisture content gradient, initial moisture content distribution, soil type and temperature that affect the water vapor diffusion coefficient were analyzed. The results show that there was good agreement between the moisture content calculated by the mathematical model and obtained by the indoor experiment. The vapor diffusion coefficient increased with increasing initial moisture content gradient and temperature. When the initial moisture content gradient is constant, the vapor diffusion coefficient increases with the increase of matrix suction ratio in dry and wet soil section. The effect of soil type on the water vapor diffusion coefficient was complex, as both the moisture content and soil particle sizes affected the water vapor diffusion.

Integrated simulation of runoff and groundwater in forest wetland watersheds

A Distributed Forest Wetland Hydrologic Model （DFWHM） was constructed and used to examine water dynamics in the different climates of three different watersheds （a cold region, a sub-tropic region, and a large-scale watershed）. A phenological index was used to represent the seasonal and species changes of the tree canopy while processes of snow packing, soil freezing, and snow and ice thawing were also included in the simulation. In the cold region, the simulated fall of the groundwater level in winter due to soil f^eezing and rise in spring due to snow and ice melting compare well with the observed data. Because the evapotranspiration and interaction of surface water and groundwater are included in the model, the modeled seasonal trend of the groundwater level in the sub-tropic region is in agreement with observations. The comparison between modeled and observed hydrographs indicates that the simulations in the large-scale watershed managed to capture the water dynamics in unsaturated and saturatedzones.