Fractal dimension of particle size distribution and its affecting factors in oasis farmland soils in southern marginal zones of Tarim Basin

Abstract

This paper presents a case study emphasizing the variations in particle size distribution (PSD) characteristics and its influencing factors in Cele Oasis farmland soils in the southern rim of Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China. The results show significant difference in fractal dimensions (D) of farmland soils in the oasis. D is generally low and varies within 2.11～2.27 range. There exists a significant positive correlation between D and volume content of soil particles 50 μm on the one hand, and between D and soil organic matter content on the other. Whereas the duration of farmland cultivation importantly influences soil PSD, no consistent relation exists between locational distribution of farmland and soil PSD. These results suggest that longterm and appropriate tillage management of farmlands could have such beneficial effects as conserving and improving soil PSD.