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Effect of slope position on the spatial distribution of soil preferential flow paths based on point pattern analysis
Mingfeng Li1, Jingjing Yao2, Ru Yan1
1College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anshun University, Anshun, China.
Plos One
|December 19, 2024
Summary
Soil preferential flow paths are more concentrated and extensive on mid-slopes compared to slope shoulders and feet. This highlights how topography influences water movement and distribution in forest ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Soil Science
- Forest Ecology
Background:
- Topographic and geomorphological factors significantly influence soil preferential flow.
- The intricate spatial distribution of preferential flow paths across varying slopes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze the spatial distribution and association of soil preferential flow paths at different slope positions (slope shoulder, mid-slope, slope foot).
- To understand how variations in slope position affect water movement and soil properties in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest.
Main Methods:
- Field staining tracer tests were employed to map preferential flow paths.
- Spatial point pattern analysis was used to assess the distribution characteristics and associations of these paths.
- Quantitative analysis of infiltration depth, dye coverage, and flow path dimensions was performed.
Main Results:
- Mid-slope (SM) positions exhibited greater infiltration depth, matrix flow depth, dye coverage, and preferential flow fraction compared to slope shoulder (SS) and slope foot (SF) positions.
- The number of preferential flow paths decreased with soil depth across all slope positions.
- Mid-slope plots had approximately double the number of preferential flow paths compared to slope shoulder and slope foot plots, with an aggregated distribution regardless of pore size.
Conclusions:
- Differences in soil physical properties and vegetation cover across slope positions drive variations in the spatial distribution and association of soil preferential flow paths.
- Findings necessitate modified strategies for soil water resource management, distribution, storage, and utilization.
- This research provides a theoretical and scientific basis for water resource management and understanding the water cycle in forested watersheds.
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