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Dye tracer infiltration technique to investigate macropore flow paths in Maka Mountain, Yunnan Province, China

  • Mechanical Engineering, Control Science and Information Engineering
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Abstract

In order to investigate the differences of macropores vertical distribution under different surface plants, and to assess the influences of root systems, organic matter and texture on macropore flow paths, two dye tracer infiltration experiments were performed in slopes under two different plants (Campylotropis polyantha (Franch.) Schindl vs. Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers). Dye tracer infiltration experiments with field observations and measurements of soil properties were combined. Results show that the discrepancy in macropores distribution between two slopes under different plants is significant. Root systems have significant effects on macropore flow paths distribution and the effect become more pronounced as the diameter of roots become larger. Organic matter and stone are important factors to affect macropores distribution. Root-soil interface, inter-aggregate macropore and stone-soil interface are important macropore flow paths in well vegetated slopes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China

    Jia-ming Zhang  (张家明) & Ze-min Xu  (徐则民)

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  1. Jia-ming Zhang  (张家明)
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  2. Ze-min Xu  (徐则民)
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jia-ming Zhang  (张家明).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project(U1502232) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunan Joint Fund; Project(KKSY201406009) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Kunming University of Science and Technology, China; Project(2014FD007) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province, China

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Zhang, Jm., Xu, Zm. Dye tracer infiltration technique to investigate macropore flow paths in Maka Mountain, Yunnan Province, China. J. Cent. South Univ. 23, 2101–2109 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-016-3266-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-016-3266-y

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