Effect of soil structure on water

The effect of soil structure on water is a complex process involving multiple aspects, including water infiltration, retention, evaporation, and migration in the soil profile. The following are specific manifestations of the effect of soil structure on water:

The effect of soil structure on water infiltration

Soil structure determines the speed and direction of water infiltration in the soil. Good soil structure, such as tightly arranged particles and large porosity, can speed up the infiltration rate of water and make it penetrate vertically. In contrast, soil with poor soil structure has a slow water infiltration rate and irregular direction due to small porosity.

The effect of soil structure on water retention

Soil structure has a great influence on water retention. Good soil structure, particles are tightly arranged, porosity is large, and water retention is strong; while soil with poor soil structure, particles are loosely arranged, porosity is small, and water retention is weak. In addition, soil texture also affects water retention capacity. For example, clay has small porosity and slow infiltration, but strong water retention capacity, while sandy soil has fast infiltration but poor water retention capacity.

Effect of soil structure on water evaporation

Soil structure also affects the rate of water evaporation. Good soil structure has large porosity and fast water evaporation rate; while soil with poor soil structure has small porosity and slow water evaporation rate. This is mainly because soil with large porosity allows more air to contact the soil surface, accelerating the transfer of water to the atmosphere3.

Effect of soil structure on water migration in soil profile

Soil profile structure has an important influence on water migration, which determines the penetration rate and direction of water in the soil. Generally speaking, the thicker the soil layer, the more regular the arrangement order, and the smaller the difference in properties, the faster the water migration rate and the more vertical the direction. Soil with good soil structure has uniform water distribution and little difference in water content between the upper and lower layers; while soil with poor soil structure has uneven water distribution and large difference in water content between the upper and lower layers.

Effect of soil structure on root development

Soil structure also has a great influence on root development, which determines the growth rate and direction of the root system in the soil. Good soil structure has fast root growth rate and vertical direction; while soil with poor soil structure has slow root growth rate and irregular direction. This not only affects the growth and development of plants, but also indirectly affects the absorption and utilization efficiency of water.

In summary, soil structure has a profound impact on soil moisture conditions and plant growth by affecting water infiltration, retention, evaporation and migration. Therefore, improving soil structure, such as by adding organic matter and mineral materials, can improve the soil's water retention capacity and utilization efficiency, which is of great significance for agricultural production and water resources management.