International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-10 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 5 oxygen for metabolic activities and the breakdown of organic matter, processes that are essential for soil health and nutrient cycling. 3 Impact of Subsoiling Treatment on Soil Permeability Subsoiling treatment has a significant impact on the permeability of the soil, which is of great significance for agricultural management and water resource conservation (Ren et al., 2019). Subsoiling treatment affects soil permeability in various ways, including altering soil structure, increasing porosity, improving permeability, and enhancing water retention capacity. These changes are beneficial for both agricultural production and soil conservation, contributing to increased crop yields, reduced water resource wastage, and improved health of the soil ecosystem. 3.1 Changes in soil structure induced by subsoiling treatment Subsoiling treatment, through altering the structure of the soil, establishes a solid foundation for improving soil permeability. This soil management approach involves methods such as mechanical and biological subsoiling, typically resulting in the soil becoming looser and more porous, thereby increasing the soil porosity. These soil pores, encompassing both large and small pores, provide essential pathways for water and gases, making it easier for moisture to penetrate into the soil and ensuring an ample oxygen supply for the root system. This structural transformation not only enhances soil permeability but also significantly reduces the risk of water accumulation. The mechanical subsoiling breaks up soil aggregates through soil tillage and fragmentation, disrupting soil compaction and increasing the gaps between soil particles. These larger pores can accommodate more water, facilitating a faster infiltration of moisture into the deeper layers of the soil, thereby reducing the likelihood of surface water runoff. Such alterations in soil structure are crucial for preventing waterlogging and ensuring the efficient utilization of water resources. On the other hand, biological subsoiling, through the root activities of plants and the formation of biological channels, also contributes to the improvement of soil structure. These roots and biological channels can enhance the arrangement of soil particles and increase soil porosity. Particularly during the process of root growth, the soil gradually becomes more relaxed, forming additional small pores. This porous structure helps retain moisture, making it more easily absorbed by plant roots, and contributes to alleviating water stress in the soil, thereby enhancing soil drought resistance. 3.2 Impact of subsoiling treatment on soil porosity Subsoiling treatment can increase the porosity of the soil, including both large and small pores (Yang et al., 2021). Large pores are typically formed due to mechanical subsoiling or the action of deep-rooted plants, allowing a significant amount of water to quickly infiltrate the soil, reducing the risk of waterlogging. Small pores, on the other hand, contribute to soil moisture retention, enabling better supply to plant roots during dry periods. This porous structure enhances the soil's water retention capacity and drainage. The impact of subsoiling treatment on soil porosity creates a balance that promotes rapid water infiltration while maintaining an adequate water supply to meet the needs of plants at different growth stages. This complex pore structure plays a crucial role in improving soil water management and crop growth, especially under changing weather conditions. 3.3 Impact of subsoiling treatment on soil permeability Permeability is a critical parameter for assessing the water permeability of soil, representing the rate at which water infiltrates into the soil per unit of time (Avila et al., 2020). Subsoiling treatments typically result in an increase in permeability, making it easier for water to penetrate the soil. This is crucial for reducing the risk of soil erosion and waterlogging. Firstly, subsoiling treatment improves the physical structure of the soil by increasing the soil porosity, allowing water to penetrate more easily into the deeper layers of the soil. The formation of large and small pores facilitates smoother water flow in the soil, reducing the time water stays within the soil. This not only helps reduce the risk of waterlogging but also prevents root rot caused by prolonged immersion.
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