The Impact of Long-Term Mulched Drip Irrigation on Soil Particle Composition and Salinity in Arid Northwest China

Abstract

The evaluation of soil particle composition and salt dynamics is essential for promoting the sustainable development of oasis agriculture in arid regions under long-term mulched drip irrigation (MDI). In this study, we employed the space-for-time substitution method to investigate the long-term effects of MDI on soil particle composition and salinity. Additionally, seven fields, with MDI durations ranging from 0 to 16 years, were selected to represent the primary successional sequence though time in Northwest China. Soil samples were collected from three soil depths (0–30 cm, 30–60 cm, and 60–100 cm) and then analyzed in the laboratory for soil particle composition and salt content. Our findings demonstrated that influenced by the depth of mechanical cultivation and the maximum wetting front depth, the long-term application of MDI significantly altered both the structure of soil layers and the composition of soil particles after 8 years. Soil sand content and soil salinity gradually decreased, whereas the content of soil silt and clay increased with increasing MDI duration throughout 0–100 cm soil depth. Furthermore, the rates of soil desalination stabilized after 10 years of MDI application, with desalination levels exceeding 90% in the 0–100 cm soil layer. Additionally, the soil mass fractal dimension (Dm) exhibited an upward trend across 0–100 cm soil depth. The changes in soil particle composition indirectly influenced the variations in Dm and salt content. Our study demonstrated that long-term application of MDI effectively mitigated soil salinity, changed soil structure, and ultimately enhanced soil quality and cotton yield.

Influence of Long-Term Mulched Drip Irrigation on Upward Capillary Water Movement Characteristics in the Saline–Sodic Region of Northwest China

“…The reason may be that MDI has changed the bulk density [39] and particle composition [40] of soil in Xinjiang. The capillary water rising height is positively correlated with time and negatively correlated with soil bulk density and clay content [24].…”

“…During the wetting front change process over time, both coefficient a and index b first increased, and then decreased with the increase in application years. The water movement in drip-irrigated cotton fields changed significantly compared to natural wasteland.The reason may be that MDI has changed the bulk density[39] and particle composition[40] of soil in Xinjiang. The capillary water rising height is positively correlated with time and negatively correlated with soil bulk density and clay content[24].…”