Influence of Different Soil Moisture Content on Plant Configuration for the Submerged Area of Shifosi Reservoir, China

Abstract

To propose a reasonable configuration of plant measures and specific planning to improve the soil quality and the surrounding ecological environment of submerged area in Shifosi reservoir, we analyzed the soil moisture content and other key physical properties such as bulk density, maximum water-holding capacity, capillary water-holding capacity, field capacity and porosity of the submerged area. Soil samples were collected within 500 m scope from the auxiliary dam and tested using test methods in compliance with the national standard LY/T1215-1999. The correlation analysis showed that a highly significant correlation existed between the moisture content with other physical properties. The capillary water-holding capacity had the highest correlation with the soil water content, followed by the maximum waterholding capacity, porosity, field capacity, and bulk density. As the changes in soil moisture content may affect the variation of other physical properties, the immersion area was divided into three regions according to their soil water contents. In region 1, the moisture content was between 23.08% and 32.96%; in region 2, the moisture content was between 21.18% and 23.08%; and in region 3, the moisture content was below 19.85%. In each region, the adaptive plant measures and configurations were put forward on the basis of natural, social and economic conditions, as well as vegetation status. In region 1, the selected tree was Salix matsudana, shrub was Forsythia mandshurica, and suitable herb was Iris lactea var. chinensis. In region 2, the proper tree was Fraxinus velutina, shrub was Amorpha fruticosa, and herb was Festuca arundinacea. In region 3, the suitable tree was Pinus tabulaeformis var. mukdensis, shrub was Lespedeza bicolor, and herb was Eleocharis yokoscensis. The rational allocation of vegetation may prevent soil erosion, contribute to the full use of the land of the submerged area, achieve optimization of social, economic, and ecological benefits, and provide a reference for plant configuration of other reservoirs in Liaoning Province, China.