Wang, Li, et al (2024) Modeling soil water and salt dynamics in cotton-sugarbeet intercropping and their monocultures with biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More application. Soil and Tillage Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2024.106070

In a bid to address the challenges of soil salinity and water scarcity in arid regions, a recent study investigated the synergistic effects of biochar, intercropping, and plastic-mulched drip irrigation on soil water and salt dynamics. The research, conducted in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a key cotton production area in China, utilized the HYDRUS-2D simulation model for a comprehensive analysis.

The three-year field experiment calibrated and validated the HYDRUS-2D model, revealing that incorporating biochar at different rates (0 t ha–1, 10 t ha–1, and 25 t ha–1) increased soil water and salt storage. The simulated root water uptake (RWU) ranked highest for the 10 t ha–1 biochar application, showcasing potential benefits in enhancing RWU, reducing evaporation and water drainage, conserving irrigation water, and increasing farmers’ income.

The study emphasized the importance of strategies such as plastic-mulched drip irrigation, intercropping with biochar, and salt-tolerant crops like cotton and sugarbeet. The region’s food security, heavily dependent on local crop production, faces threats from salinization, causing significant annual losses. The findings underscored the need for sustainable agricultural practices to achieve higher crop yields with efficient water use.

Overall, the research provides valuable insights into optimizing irrigation schedules and soil management practices in arid and semiarid areas, offering a promising reference for agricultural production and social benefits in regions grappling with soil salinity and water scarcity.