Evaluating the soil evaporation loss rate in a gravel-sand mulching environment based on stable isotopes data

In order to cope with drought and water shortages, the working people in arid areas of Northwest China have developed a drought-resistant planting method, namely, gravel-sand mulching, after long-term agricultural practices. To understand effects mulching on soil evaporation, we selected Baifeng peach (Amygdalus persica L.) orchards as experimental field 2021. Based continuously collected stable isotopes data, evaluated evaporation loss rate environment using line-conditioned excess (lc-excess) coupled Rayleigh fractionation model Craig-Gordon model. The results show that average content plots is 1.86% higher than without mulching. monthly variation smaller Moreover, lc-excess value smaller. addition, lower was negative for both it has good correlation relative humidity, temperature, input content, content. effect most prominent August. Compared data similar environments literature, better. Stable evidence shows can effectively reduce which provides theoretical basis management optimization water-saving methods areas.