1.Key Laboratory of Land Surface Processes and Ecological Conservation of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau;(Ministry of Education),Qinghai Normal University,Xining 810008,China
2.Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory;of Physical Geography and Environmental Processes,Qinghai Normal University,Xining 810008,China
3.Academy of;Plateau Science and Sustainability People’s Government of Qinghai Province & Beijing Normal University,Xining 810008,China
Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of slope geomorphological conditions on the distribution characteristics and stability of soil aggregates in alpine mountainous regions, thereby providing a scientific basis for maintaining soil health and ecosystem stability. Methods Typical slopes in the seasonally frozen soil zone of the Babao River Basin in the Qilian Mountains were selected as study sites. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) sensors were deployed for continuous monitoring of soil moisture and temperature on the slopes in order to reveal their freezing characteristics. Based on the determination of soil physicochemical properties, both dry sieving and wet sieving methods were employed to determine the particle size distribution of soil aggregates. Soil aggregate stability indicators-including the weight percentage of large aggregates (R0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and aggregate destruction rate (PAD)-were selected to analyze the differences in soil aggregate stability across different slope aspects and slope positions. Results (1) The differences in soil physicochemical properties across different slope aspects and slope positions were not significant, while the differences at different soil depths within the same area were significant. The contents of soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon (TC), and total nitrogen (TN) were mainly concentrated in the 0—20 cm soil layer, with higher contents in the middle and lower parts of shady slopes. (2) Soil aggregates on different slope aspects were predominantly composed of macroaggregates (≥0.25 mm). Among the mechanically stable aggregates, the proportion of macroaggregates ranged from 91.28% to 99.10%, whereas in water-stable aggregates, the proportion varied from 42.50% to 95.74%. The proportion of microaggregates (<0.25 mm) was higher in water-stable aggregates than in mechanically stable ones. (3) The stability indicators of soil aggregates-mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD)-exhibited the following trends: shady slope>sunny slope, lower slope>middle slope>upper slope, and 0—20 cm>20—40 cm. In the 0—20 cm surface layer, the average aggregate disruption rate (PAD) was 3.70% on shady slopes and 7.87% on sunny slopes, indicating that surface soil aggregates had relatively strong erosion resistance. (4) MWD and GMD of mechanically stable aggregates were significantly positively correlated with aggregates larger than 5 mm, while MWD and GMD of water-stable aggregates were significantly positively correlated with soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and porosity. Conclusion The surface soil aggregates on typical slopes in the seasonally frozen soil zone of the Babao River Basin exhibit good structural stability, and the soil shows strong erosion resistance. The proportion and stability of large aggregates are higher on shady slopes, at lower slope positions, and in the 0—20 cm soil layer. The stability of water-stable aggregates is significantly positively correlated with soil organic matter, total carbon, total nitrogen, and porosity, indicating that soil nutrient content and structural properties are key factors influencing aggregate stability. These findings demonstrate that slope aspect, slope position, and soil depth collectively shape the distribution and stability of soil aggregates in this region.
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