Objective The influencing mechanisms of synergistic improvement by biochar and potassium polyacrylate on the water characteristics of coal gangue in alpine mining areas were investigated, in order to enhance its water-holding and moisture conservation capacity and inhibit water loss via evaporation. Methods A laboratory soil column simulation experiment was conducted with different mass fractions of biochar (1.1%, 4.3%) and potassium polyacrylate (0.12%, 0.22%, 0.32%) in combined application (six treatments in total), along with a control (CK). The one-dimensional constant-head vertical infiltration method, continuous weighing method, and cutting-ring method were employed to determine the infiltration characteristics, evaporation process, and key water-holding parameters (saturated water content, capillary water-holding capacity, and field capacity) of the coal gangue matrix. Results The saturated water content of all treatments increased by 7.88% to 33.35% compared with CK. The addition of potassium polyacrylate significantly inhibited the transport distance of the wetting front, initial infiltration rate, average infiltration rate, and cumulative infiltration volume (p<0.01). The multi-level pore adsorption of biochar, combined with the swelling and resistance-enhancing effect of potassium polyacrylate, jointly formed a ‘slow infiltration-strong water retention’ mode. This mode effectively inhibited rapid water infiltration and enhanced the capture and storage efficiency of water (e.g., freeze-thaw water) in the root zone. The Kostiakov model could accurately characterize the infiltration patterns of the amended matrix (R²>0.916, RMSE<0.159). Treatments with high amendment rates (e.g., B4P3) showed significant evaporation inhibition effectiveness, achieving a maximum reduction of 19.88% in cumulative evaporation loss rate compared to CK, while maintaining higher residual water content. Under a bulk density of 1.41 g/cm3, considering water-holding characteristics, infiltration characteristics, and evaporation inhibition performance, the optimal amendment ratio of the coal gangue matrix was achieved in the B4 P3 treatment group, with a biochar mass fraction of 4.3% and a potassium polyacrylate mass fraction of 0.32%. Conclusion The B4P3 treatment significantly enhances the water-holding capacity and evaporation inhibition ability of coal gangue in alpine mining areas. The Kostiakov model demonstrates the best fit for the water infiltration process across all treatment groups.
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