Simulation Modeling and Practical Use of the Hydrological Function of Detritus in Soil-Engineering Technologies

Abstract

High water retention and water capacity of detritus determine its potential hydrological significance in the formation of the water regime of soils and phytoproductivity of forest landscapes. Using computer modeling of water exchange in the soil–plant–atmosphere HYDRUS-1D system, we preliminarily studied the hydrological function of detritus of retention of precipitation water and of root water consumption at different amounts and variants of the arrangement of detritus layers in the soil profile. The soil structures designed on the basis of this information for sustainable afforestation with increased carbon sequestration in field experiments with water balance monitoring demonstrated high efficiency in optimizing soil water retention capacity and water consumption by roots of the test crop (Picea pungens Engelm.) with a two- to threefold reduction in unproductive water losses and a 1.5-to 2-fold increase in the current plant growth relative to untreated control. The physical mechanism of the detritus hydrological function consists in the formation of capillary barriers, blocking evaporation and capillary resorption of soil water due to accumulation at the surface (forest litter) or in layers inside the soil (peat layers in constructozems).