Abstract:

Salinized soil has always been a major problem in Xinjiang's economic development and ecological construction. Soil samples were collected from two cultivated soil profiles and a wasteland soil profile in the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert, Xinjiang. The soil particle size, bulk density, water content, and salt content were measured indoors, and the characteristics and law of water and salt changes in native saline-alkali wasteland and cultivated farmland were discussed in order to provide a necessary basis for the prevention and control of salinization in this area. The main conclusions are: 1) the differences in physical properties of soil layers have a more obvious effect on the distribution characteristics of soil water and salt, and the phenomenon of salt accumulation in soil layers with more clay and silt is more distinct; 2) the structural heterogeneity of soil layers has a blocking effect on water and salinity, leading to the existence of a salt accumulation layer in the soil; 3) irrigation water causes an increase in the leaching strength of the soil, which can reduce the salt in the soil but increase the risk of groundwater mineralization. It is suggested that corresponding drainage measures should be set up for soil salinity control in this area due to the heterogeneity of the soil layer, and the combination of irrigation and drainage is used to achieve the purpose of soil salinization prevention and groundwater protection.

Key words: secondary salinization, soil layer structure, water and salt distribution, Xinjiang