Effects of mixed-based biochar on water infiltration and evaporation in aeolian sand soil

Aeolian sandy soil in mining areas exhibits intense evaporation and poor water retention capacity. This study was designed to find a suitable biochar application method improve infiltration minimize for aeolian sand soil. Using the indoor column method, we studied effects of three patterns (A (0–20 cm mixed sample mixed-based soil), B (0–10 10–20 C soil)), four amounts (0% (control, CK), 1%, 2%, 4% dry two particle sizes (0.05–0.25 mm (S1) <0.05 (S2)) on We separately used five models (the Philip, Kostiakov, Horton, USDA-NRCS (United States Department Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service), Kostiakov-Lewis models) fit cumulative time. Compared with CK, significantly reduced infiltration. Under A, B, C, higher amount finer size were, lower migration speed wetting front. With same amount, under pattern A lowest. Taking 10 min as an example, reductions treatments A2%(S2), A4%(S1), A4%(S2), A1%(S1), C2%(S1), B1%(S1) were than 30%, which met requirements loess hydraulic parameters plant growth. The well fitted S1 (R2>0.980), but R2 values Horton model exceeded 0.990 all (except treatment B2%(S2)). other infiltration, except B4%(S2). difference between small. Treatments caused larger reduction evaporation. C4%(S1), C4%(S2), C2%(S2) over 15.00%. Therefore, applying 2% underlying layer (10–20 cm) could while minimizing Moreover, main factor affecting Further, there interactions among influencing factors process (application amount×particle most important interaction), no them process. results this contribute rational resource utilization urban agricultural wastes areas.