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Characterization of soil preferential flow in the paddy field-ridge transition zone of terrace, Southwest China

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  • Chu, Linlin
  • Ma, Rong
  • Bi, Lidong
  • Chen, Dan

Abstract

Terraced fields represent unique agricultural ecosystems in southwestern China, where soil exhibits preferential flow, potentially leading to the loss of water and fertilizers in rice paddies, thus affecting the structural stability of field ridges. However, the understanding of preferential flow characteristics in paddy and ridge soils across different altitudes remains limited. This study investigates the distribution and development of preferential flow in paddy fields and ridges at low, middle, and high elevations within the Hani terraced paddy fields. The results indicate significant variations in soil moisture infiltration with elevation. Preferential flow was predominantly observed in the shallow layers, particularly in the middle elevation areas, where the stained area ratio (SAR) and stained path number (SPN) reached their peaks. The preferential flow ratio (PFfr) was highest at mid-elevations, with values of 50.97 % for rice fields and 97.33 % for ridges, suggesting a more advanced preferential flow in the latter. Additionally, lateral preferential flow from paddy fields to ridges was significant. Key environmental factors, including soil bulk density, total porosity, and organic matter, were found to correlate with preferential flow indicators. In conclusion, variations in soil properties significantly influence water movement, with mid-elevation regions exhibiting greater soil moisture infiltration. To mitigate water loss and prevent ridge collapse, strategies such as loosening paddy fields and adjusting irrigation and fertilization practices are recommended. These findings contribute to enhanced water dynamics and resource management in both natural and modified ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Chu, Linlin & Ma, Rong & Bi, Lidong & Chen, Dan, 2025. "Characterization of soil preferential flow in the paddy field-ridge transition zone of terrace, Southwest China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0378377425007334
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.110019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guibin Wang & Zhi Zhang & Mark Henderson & Mingyang Chen & Zeyu Dou & Wanying Zhou & Weiwei Huang & Binhui Liu, 2024. "Effects of Terracing on Soil Aggregate Stability and Erodibility in Sloped Farmland in Black Soil (Mollisols) Region of China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-19, September.
    2. Lowe, Mary-Anne & McGrath, Gavan & Mathes, Falko & Leopold, Matthias, 2017. "Evaluation of surfactant effectiveness on water repellent soils using electrical resistivity tomography," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 56-65.
    3. Xu, Baoli & Shao, Dongguo & Fang, Longzhang & Yang, Xia & Chen, Shu & Gu, Wenquan, 2019. "Modelling percolation and lateral seepage in a paddy field-bund landscape with a shallow groundwater table," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 87-96.
    4. Li, Yinghao & Zheng, Junlin & Wu, Qi & Gong, Xingmei & Zhang, Zhongxiao & Chen, Yinglong & Chen, Taotao & Siddique, Kadambot H.M. & Chi, Daocai, 2022. "Zeolite increases paddy soil potassium fixation, partial factor productivity, and potassium balance under alternate wetting and drying irrigation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
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