Variations of deep soil moisture under different vegetation restoration types in a watershed of the Loess Plateau, China

Abstract

The soil water content and water consumption of deep layer (200–1000 cm) of sloping farmland, grassland and Jujube orchard in Yuanzegou small watershed in the loess hilly region were studied. The results showed that (1) the soil moisture content of sloping farmland, grassland and Jujube orchard increased at first and then decreased at 0–200 cm, with mean values of 11.91%, 11.23% and 9.99% respectively; From 200 to 1000 cm, the soil moisture content decreased slowly and tended to be stable, with mean values of 11.77%, 11.62% and 9.96% respectively. (2) 200–1000 cm, the soil water storage ranged in the order of sloping farmland > grassland > Jujube orchard, with mean values of 148.78, 145.28 and 121.11 mm respectively. (3) In the 200–1000 cm soil layer, the water consumption of the Jujube orchard ranged from 21.67 to 32.97 mm, and that of grassland ranged from − 4.47 to 10.32 mm, the water consumption of deep soil in Jujube orchard was significantly higher than that in grassland (p < 0.05)., Although the Jujube orchard had obvious deep soil moisture consumption, it was insufficient to cause serious soil drying and increased farmers' income, so it can be planted locally, but the planting density should be reasonable and water-saving engineering technology should be adopted.