Effects of Soil Particle Structure on the Distribution and Transport of Soil Water and Salt

Abstract

Unsaturated zones are critical for water and material exchange between groundwater and surface ecosystems. Understanding the migration patterns of soil water and salts in these zones can offer theoretical support for maintaining the equilibrium between groundwater and surface ecosystems in Northwestern China’s salinized regions. This study explores the correlation between soil particle composition and soil water and salt distribution at a test site in the lower reaches of the Shiyang River basin. It analyzes the way in which water and salt patterns vary with different soil structures over various timescales. The results indicate that lithological profiles with similar structures but varying fine particle contents exhibit distinct water–salt variation patterns. Higher fine particle content leads to increased water and total dissolved solid content, but a decreased infiltration rate. When the middle layer has the highest fine content, soil evaporation is partially inhibited. The more complex the lithologic structure, the less effective irrigation is in leaching salt. However, when the lithologic structure remains constant, fine particle content has minimal impact on salt leaching.