Abstract:
Objective The aim was to explore the distribution characteristics of soil aggregates in terraced fields with different ages, and to understand the relationship of composition characteristics and stability change of soil aggregates. The results will provide scientific evidence for the quality of terrace soil.
Method Terraces, constructed at different times (2010 - 2022) in Yonghe County, middle reaches of the Yellow River, were selected as the research objects. The dry-wet sieve method was used to study the characteristics and stability of soil aggregates and their evolution trends.
Result The results showed that > 5 mm, 2 - 5 mm and < 0.25 mm aggregates were mainly groups in mechanical-stable aggregates, while 2 - 5 mm and < 0.25 mm aggregates were mainly groups in the water-stable aggregates. With the increasing of constructed ages of terrace fields, the mean weight diameter (MWD) of mechanical-stable aggregates and water-stable aggregates, the geometric mean diameter (GMD) of mechanical-stable aggregates and water-stable aggregates and the water-stable aggregates stability rate (WSAR) increased gradually. With the increasing of construction ages of terrace fields, the fractal dimension of mechanical-stable aggregates and water-stable aggregates (D) and the percentage of aggregate destruction (PAD0.25) gradually decreased. The soil aggregate stability increased gradually with the extension of terracing ages, and the increase was faster after the 9th year. Due to the influence of activities such as cultivation and management, there was a gradual delay in the increase of soil aggregate stability with the increase of soil depth. Soil organic matter content and bulk density were significantly correlated with the stability index of soil aggregates.
Conclusion In the middle reaches of the Yellow River, after the transformation of slopes to terraces, the stability of soil aggregates was gradually enhanced with the extension of years after the terraced fields were built. Among them, soil bulk density and organic matter were important factors affecting the stability of aggregates.