The Experts below are selected from a list of 267 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Yu Liu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Preferential water flow through decayed Root Channels enhances soil water infiltration: Evaluation in distinct vegetation types under semi-arid conditions
2020Co-Authors: Manuel López-vicente, Zeng Cui, Ze Huang, Yu LiuAbstract:Abstract. Topsoil desiccation alters soil physical characteristics and seriously limits plant growth in semi-arid and arid areas. The phenomenon of dried soil layer has generated increasing attention, but the process of preferential flow through decayed Root Channels – when the plants decompose after death – and its benefits on soil water supply in the soil dry layers are rarely evaluated. This study examines the effects of Root Channels on soil infiltrability in three contrasted vegetation types developed in a loessial soil, namely: Scrubland (Caragana korshinskii), fruit tree plantation (Armeniaca vulgaris) and grassland (Medicago sativa; using data from a previous study); setting bare land as control. The infiltration rates of the alive and decayed specimens were measured using a double-ring infiltrometer, and methylene blue allowed us to trace the pathways of water flow. Results indicated that scrubland species had the highest steady infiltration rates, which were about 23 % and 83 % higher than those rates measured in the fruit tree plantation and grasslands, respectively. Regarding Root geometry, the steady infiltration rates were significantly and positively correlated with the average Root channel diameter (ARCD) and area (RCA). Under the same Root diameter conditions, soil water infiltrability significantly improved in the decayed Root plots and compared with the alive Root plots. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of Root Channels of different degraded vegetation types on soil moisture and infiltrability, which are conductive to provide knowledge base in the research of hydrological processes in degraded soils in water-scarce regions.
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Preferential water flow: Influence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) decayed Root Channels on soil water infiltration
Journal of Hydrology, 2019Co-Authors: Lei Guo, Yu Liu, Zeng Cui, Ze Huang, Zhen Cheng, Rui-qi Zhang, Fu-ping TianAbstract:Abstract Soil water infiltration is an important part of the land surface hydrological cycle, and plays an important role in the hydrological response of the soil, such as soil erosion. High infiltration rates favor an increase in the soil water storage capacity that allows maintaining vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid regions. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a quality perennial legume grassland, which is widely planted in semi-arid areas. In this study, the effects of the Root Channels formed by the decay of alfalfa on preferential flow were evaluated as a driving force to improve soil water infiltration and soil water supply. A double-ring infiltrometer (30-cm inner diameter and 60-cm outer diameter) was used to measure the infiltration process with the falling head method. Methylene blue was used to visualize the pathways followed by the infiltrated water. The results showed that the initial infiltration rate in the alfalfa grassland increased by 27.7%, compared with the control bare land, and the total cumulative infiltration was 1.13 times higher. The steady infiltration rate of the grassland increased by 31.8% compared to the bare land. The Root channel diameters were measured with a Vernier caliper, and the average Root channel area (RCA) was calculated through the average Root channel diameter (ARCD). The values of ARCD and RCA were significantly and positively correlated with the infiltration rates, being the coefficients of determination 0.815 and 0.789, respectively. Our results indicated that Root Channels formed by the decayed Roots of alfalfa played an important role in increasing soil water infiltration and soil water supply under semi-arid conditions. Our research improves the understanding of the hydrological cycle processes at the plant-soil interface in semi-arid areas.
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Root Channels to indicate the increase in soil matrix water infiltration capacity of arid reclaimed mine soils
Journal of Hydrology, 2017Co-Authors: Yu Liu, Zheng Yang, Zeng Cui, Lei Deng, Xiaofeng Chang, Zhihua ShiAbstract:Soil matrix flow plays a critical role in redistributing the precipitation input and enhancing water storage in arid areas. Root Channels can result in macropore flow which strongly influences soil infiltration. Prior research has addressed the influence of vegetation on erosion and runoff, but the effects of Root Channels on infiltration capacity are less studied. In this study, we studied the Root Channels and soil water infiltration rates in ten artificial grasslands in an arid area. The results showed that the average Root channel diameter (ARCD) of leguminous grasslands and of shrub grasslands were greater than that of gramineous grasslands (p < 0.05). Importantly, the ARCD and Root channel area (RCA) were significantly and positively related to the average infiltration rate in stage I (AIRS 1) and the initial infiltration rate (IIR). The IIR and the AIRS I increased at rates of 31.13 and 14.60 mm h(-1), respectively, and at the same time there was an increase in ARCD. Overall, our results suggest that Root Channels played a significant role in the matrix infiltration capacity, resulting in a higher infiltration rate in leguminous grasslands and in mixed sown grasslands than in gramineous grasslands. We suggest that leguminous grasslands or the combination of leguminous and gramineous species in grassland should be given greater attention as suitable materials for mine-soil reclamation in arid regions. Our research improve the understanding of the influence of vegetation on soil hydrological processes and of the hydrology of reclaimed mine soils in arid regions. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Zeng Cui - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Preferential water flow through decayed Root Channels enhances soil water infiltration: Evaluation in distinct vegetation types under semi-arid conditions
2020Co-Authors: Manuel López-vicente, Zeng Cui, Ze Huang, Yu LiuAbstract:Abstract. Topsoil desiccation alters soil physical characteristics and seriously limits plant growth in semi-arid and arid areas. The phenomenon of dried soil layer has generated increasing attention, but the process of preferential flow through decayed Root Channels – when the plants decompose after death – and its benefits on soil water supply in the soil dry layers are rarely evaluated. This study examines the effects of Root Channels on soil infiltrability in three contrasted vegetation types developed in a loessial soil, namely: Scrubland (Caragana korshinskii), fruit tree plantation (Armeniaca vulgaris) and grassland (Medicago sativa; using data from a previous study); setting bare land as control. The infiltration rates of the alive and decayed specimens were measured using a double-ring infiltrometer, and methylene blue allowed us to trace the pathways of water flow. Results indicated that scrubland species had the highest steady infiltration rates, which were about 23 % and 83 % higher than those rates measured in the fruit tree plantation and grasslands, respectively. Regarding Root geometry, the steady infiltration rates were significantly and positively correlated with the average Root channel diameter (ARCD) and area (RCA). Under the same Root diameter conditions, soil water infiltrability significantly improved in the decayed Root plots and compared with the alive Root plots. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of Root Channels of different degraded vegetation types on soil moisture and infiltrability, which are conductive to provide knowledge base in the research of hydrological processes in degraded soils in water-scarce regions.
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Preferential water flow: Influence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) decayed Root Channels on soil water infiltration
Journal of Hydrology, 2019Co-Authors: Lei Guo, Yu Liu, Zeng Cui, Ze Huang, Zhen Cheng, Rui-qi Zhang, Fu-ping TianAbstract:Abstract Soil water infiltration is an important part of the land surface hydrological cycle, and plays an important role in the hydrological response of the soil, such as soil erosion. High infiltration rates favor an increase in the soil water storage capacity that allows maintaining vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid regions. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a quality perennial legume grassland, which is widely planted in semi-arid areas. In this study, the effects of the Root Channels formed by the decay of alfalfa on preferential flow were evaluated as a driving force to improve soil water infiltration and soil water supply. A double-ring infiltrometer (30-cm inner diameter and 60-cm outer diameter) was used to measure the infiltration process with the falling head method. Methylene blue was used to visualize the pathways followed by the infiltrated water. The results showed that the initial infiltration rate in the alfalfa grassland increased by 27.7%, compared with the control bare land, and the total cumulative infiltration was 1.13 times higher. The steady infiltration rate of the grassland increased by 31.8% compared to the bare land. The Root channel diameters were measured with a Vernier caliper, and the average Root channel area (RCA) was calculated through the average Root channel diameter (ARCD). The values of ARCD and RCA were significantly and positively correlated with the infiltration rates, being the coefficients of determination 0.815 and 0.789, respectively. Our results indicated that Root Channels formed by the decayed Roots of alfalfa played an important role in increasing soil water infiltration and soil water supply under semi-arid conditions. Our research improves the understanding of the hydrological cycle processes at the plant-soil interface in semi-arid areas.
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Root Channels to indicate the increase in soil matrix water infiltration capacity of arid reclaimed mine soils
Journal of Hydrology, 2017Co-Authors: Yu Liu, Zheng Yang, Zeng Cui, Lei Deng, Xiaofeng Chang, Zhihua ShiAbstract:Soil matrix flow plays a critical role in redistributing the precipitation input and enhancing water storage in arid areas. Root Channels can result in macropore flow which strongly influences soil infiltration. Prior research has addressed the influence of vegetation on erosion and runoff, but the effects of Root Channels on infiltration capacity are less studied. In this study, we studied the Root Channels and soil water infiltration rates in ten artificial grasslands in an arid area. The results showed that the average Root channel diameter (ARCD) of leguminous grasslands and of shrub grasslands were greater than that of gramineous grasslands (p < 0.05). Importantly, the ARCD and Root channel area (RCA) were significantly and positively related to the average infiltration rate in stage I (AIRS 1) and the initial infiltration rate (IIR). The IIR and the AIRS I increased at rates of 31.13 and 14.60 mm h(-1), respectively, and at the same time there was an increase in ARCD. Overall, our results suggest that Root Channels played a significant role in the matrix infiltration capacity, resulting in a higher infiltration rate in leguminous grasslands and in mixed sown grasslands than in gramineous grasslands. We suggest that leguminous grasslands or the combination of leguminous and gramineous species in grassland should be given greater attention as suitable materials for mine-soil reclamation in arid regions. Our research improve the understanding of the influence of vegetation on soil hydrological processes and of the hydrology of reclaimed mine soils in arid regions. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Eks Nambiar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Effect of Subsoil Compaction and Three Densities of Simulated Root Channels in the Subsoil on Growth, Carbon Gain and Water Uptake of Pinus radiata
Functional Plant Biology, 1995Co-Authors: D. W. Sheriff, Eks NambiarAbstract:The experiment investigates effects of subsoil compaction, of three densities of simulated Root Channels through the compacted layer, and of fertiliser addition on growth, carbon gain and water relations of Pinus radiata. Treatments were designed to simulate subsoil compaction produced by a previous tree crop and access to depth through the compacted layer via old Root Channels. Comparisons were also made of diurnal carbon assimilation, micro-climate, water potential, and mineral nutrition of well-exposed foliage. Subsoil compaction was negatively associated with growth, plant water potential, foliar nutrient concentration, water uptake and diurnal carbon gain per unit foliage area. All treatments with compacted subsoil grew more slowly than controls, and an interaction between Root access to depth and nutrition is indicated. Diurnal carbon gain per unit foliage area of trees growing on unperforated, compacted subsoil was about 0.78 that of controls, while stem growth was about 0.56 that of controls. Root growth of trees on compacted subsoil with the largest number of Root Channels showed an effect of fertilisation on growth. Fertilised trees in this compaction treatment had a significantly greater fine Root biomass in the upper 0.3 m of the profile, greater access to water at depth, higher plant water potential, higher soil water content below the compacted subsoil layer, and greater growth than unfertilised trees in the same soil compaction treatment.
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Effects of compaction and simulated Root Channels in the subsoil on Root development, water uptake and growth of radiata pine.
Tree physiology, 1992Co-Authors: Eks Nambiar, R. SandsAbstract:Effects of subsoil compaction and simulated Root Channels (perforations) through the compacted layer on Root growth, water uptake, foliar nutrient concentration and growth of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) were studied in a field experiment where a range of treatments were applied in reconstituted soil profiles. Subsoil compaction adversely affected Root penetration in deeper parts of the soil and consequently caused greater water stress in trees. However, the effect of compaction was largely overcome when the subsoil was perforated to render 0.2% of the soil volume into vertical Channels. Roots showed a remarkable ability to reach the points of low penetration strength and to travel through them to deeper parts of the profile. Perforations through compacted soil layers at a relatively low frequency may be a practical solution to allow Root development into deeper parts of the soil and allow greater soil water exploration by Roots.
Alexia Stokes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The influence of plant Root systems on subsurface flow: Implications for slope stability
BioScience, 2011Co-Authors: Murielle Ghestem, Roy C. Sidle, Alexia StokesAbstract:International audienceAlthough research has explained how plant Roots mechanically stabilize soils, in this article we explore how Root systems create networks of preferential flow and thus influence water pressures in soils to trigger landslides. Root systems may alter subsurface flow: Hydrological mechanisms that promote lower pore-water pressures in soils are beneficial to slope stability, whereas those increasing pore pressure are adverse. Preferential flow of water occurs in the following types of Root Channels: (a) Channels formed by dead or decaying Roots, (b) Channels formed by decayed Roots that are newly occupied by living Roots, and (c) Channels formed around live Roots. The architectural analysis of Root systems improves our understanding of how Roots grow initially, develop, die, and interconnect. Conceptual examples and case studies are presented to illustrate how Root architecture and diverse traits (e.g., diameter, length, orientation, topology, sinuosity, decay rate) affect the creation of Root Channels and thus affect preferential flow
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The influence of plant Root systems on subsurface flow: implications for slope stability
Bioscience, 2011Co-Authors: Murielle Ghestem, Alexia Stokes, Roy C. SlideAbstract:Although research has explained how plant Roots mechanically stabilize soils, in this article we explore how Root systems create networks of preferential flow and thus influence water pressures in soils to trigger landslides. Root systems may alter subsurface flow: Hydrological mechanisms that promote lower pore-water pressures in soils are beneficial to slope stability, whereas those increasing pore pressure are adverse. Preferential flow of water occurs in the following types of Root Channels: (a) Channels formed by dead or decaying Roots, (b) Channels formed by decayed Roots that are newly occupied by living Roots, and (c) Channels formed around live Roots. The architectural analysis of Root systems improves our understanding of how Roots grow initially, develop, die, and interconnect. Conceptual examples and case studies are presented to illustrate how Root architecture and diverse traits (e.g., diameter, length, orientation, topology, sinuosity, decay rate) affect the creation of Root Channels and thus affect preferential flow.
Murielle Ghestem - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The influence of plant Root systems on subsurface flow: Implications for slope stability
BioScience, 2011Co-Authors: Murielle Ghestem, Roy C. Sidle, Alexia StokesAbstract:International audienceAlthough research has explained how plant Roots mechanically stabilize soils, in this article we explore how Root systems create networks of preferential flow and thus influence water pressures in soils to trigger landslides. Root systems may alter subsurface flow: Hydrological mechanisms that promote lower pore-water pressures in soils are beneficial to slope stability, whereas those increasing pore pressure are adverse. Preferential flow of water occurs in the following types of Root Channels: (a) Channels formed by dead or decaying Roots, (b) Channels formed by decayed Roots that are newly occupied by living Roots, and (c) Channels formed around live Roots. The architectural analysis of Root systems improves our understanding of how Roots grow initially, develop, die, and interconnect. Conceptual examples and case studies are presented to illustrate how Root architecture and diverse traits (e.g., diameter, length, orientation, topology, sinuosity, decay rate) affect the creation of Root Channels and thus affect preferential flow
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The influence of plant Root systems on subsurface flow: implications for slope stability
Bioscience, 2011Co-Authors: Murielle Ghestem, Alexia Stokes, Roy C. SlideAbstract:Although research has explained how plant Roots mechanically stabilize soils, in this article we explore how Root systems create networks of preferential flow and thus influence water pressures in soils to trigger landslides. Root systems may alter subsurface flow: Hydrological mechanisms that promote lower pore-water pressures in soils are beneficial to slope stability, whereas those increasing pore pressure are adverse. Preferential flow of water occurs in the following types of Root Channels: (a) Channels formed by dead or decaying Roots, (b) Channels formed by decayed Roots that are newly occupied by living Roots, and (c) Channels formed around live Roots. The architectural analysis of Root systems improves our understanding of how Roots grow initially, develop, die, and interconnect. Conceptual examples and case studies are presented to illustrate how Root architecture and diverse traits (e.g., diameter, length, orientation, topology, sinuosity, decay rate) affect the creation of Root Channels and thus affect preferential flow.
