Effects of Different Water-Saving Measures on Soil Water-Salt Environment of Arid Area of China

Based on the data obtained from field observation and experiment of lab in Yonglian plot of Yichang Irrigated District in Hetao Irrigation Area, Inner Mongolia, China, statistics, Visual MODFLOW4.2 and Reservoir Leaching Model were used to finish the variably saturated soil water-salt dynamics model. As an illustration, The impacts of two common water-saving measures on soil water-salt environment of Yonglian plot were evaluated by using numerical simulation and scenario analyses. The results show that when irrigation application decreased to 87% of the original due to channel concrete lining, the salt accumulation in the plot was slightly larger than the current situation, the groundwater TDS was much higher than before, and the average groundwater depth was too deep to support crop growth; When irrigation application decreased to 76% due to autumnal leaching irrigation quota decreased to 1500 m³/ ha, the salt accumulation in the plot was about 88% of the original, the average water table depth was suitable for crop growth. In conclusion, appropriate water conservation measures could improve the efficiency of water resources, be propitious to salinity control, crop growth and soil water-salt environment.