Shi et al. (2026) Effects of technical parameters of vertical tube surface drip irrigation on water-heat distribution in the root zone and growth dynamics of Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings

Identification

• Journal: Agricultural Water Management
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-06-23
• Authors: Jinhong Shi, Xinlin He, Yanwei Fan, Guang Yang, X.D. Tang
• DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2026.110559

Research Groups

• College of Water Conservancy & Architectural Engineering, Shihezi University
• Key Laboratory of Cold and Arid Regions Eco-Hydraulic Engineering of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps
• National Center for Efficient Irrigation Engineering and Technology Research -Xinjiang
• School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology
• Rural Water Conservancy Office, Zhangye City

Short Summary

This study investigates the effects of technical parameters of vertical tube surface drip irrigation on water-heat distribution in the root zone and growth dynamics of Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings. The results show that PSDI outperforms other measures in preserving soil moisture and reducing temperature in the 5–40 cm layer, leading to improved survival rates and growth dynamics of H. ammodendron.

Objective

• To compare and analyze the coupling effects of soil water-heat under four different irrigation protection measures (PSDI, NIPP, TSDI, and NINP) and clarify their spatiotemporal dynamic variation characteristics.
• To comprehensively investigate the mechanisms by which various irrigation protection measures influence the growth and development of H. ammodendron.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Field experiments were conducted at a flat and open field site with an area of 972 m² in the Tengger Desert, Jiudun Town, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province.
• Temporal Scale: The experiment was conducted from May 2023 to May 2025.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Empirical models for H. ammodendron growth indicators and biomass were established using data collected during the two-year field experiment.
• Data sources: Soil temperature and humidity sensors (STHS) were installed around the trunk of H. ammodendron at a horizontal distance of 5–10 cm perpendicular to the orientation of the tree row.

Main Results

• PSDI outperformed other measures in preserving soil moisture and reducing temperature in the 5–40 cm layer.
• The survival rates of H. ammodendron under the four irrigation protection measures exhibited the following pattern: PSDI > NIPP > TSDI > NINP.
• PSDI significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, crown width, new shoot length and number of new shoots.

Contributions

• This study provides a theoretical and technical basis for optimizing PSDI systems in sand-fixing engineering.
• The results can be used to guide the design and implementation of vertical tube surface drip irrigation systems for H. ammodendron afforestation projects.

Funding

• National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52009211)
• Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps Scientific Research Fund (Grant No. 2020AB011)

Citation

@article{Shi2026Effects,
  author = {Shi, Jinhong and He, Xinlin and Fan, Yanwei and Yang, Guang and Tang, X.D.},
  title = {Effects of technical parameters of vertical tube surface drip irrigation on water-heat distribution in the root zone and growth dynamics of Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings},
  journal = {Agricultural Water Management},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1016/j.agwat.2026.110559},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2026.110559}
}