Objective This study aims to reveal the differences in infiltration processes of soda saline-alkali soils with different degrees and their influencing factors, and to evaluate the applicability of different infiltration models in simulating the infiltration process of soda saline-alkali soils. Methods Using the one-dimensional vertical constant-head single-ring infiltration method, field in-situ infiltration experiments were conducted to study the characteristics of infiltration process parameters in soda saline-alkali soils with different degrees, analyze the effects of salinization-alkalization indicators on the infiltration process, and evaluate the applicability of different prediction models. Results 1) As pH increased from 9.31 to 10.35, exchangeable sodium percent (ESP) rose from 1.09% to 65.82%, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) increased from 1.24 to 115.71, the stable infiltration rates of the five tested soils decreased by 41.81% to 99.59% compared with the initial infiltration rates. Among them, the Suaeda salsa land with the highest degree of salinization and alkalization showed the largest decrease, with a stable infiltration rate of only 0.13 mm/h. 2) Correlation analysis indicated that the stable infiltration rate was significantly negatively correlated with ESP and pH (p<0.01), and significantly negatively correlated with exchangeable Na⁺ (p<0.05). The average infiltration rate was significantly negatively correlated with ESP, exchangeable Na⁺, SAR, pH, and salt content at different levels. 3) Based on the coefficient of determination (R²) of the models and the correlation with the saline-alkali indicators of soda saline-alkali soils with different degrees, the simulation performance of the Horton infiltration model was superior to that of the general empirical model when SAR<108.60, salt content (SC)<10 568.64 mg/kg, and electrical conductivity (EC)<1.70 mS/cm. When the degree of salinization and alkalization exceeded this range, the general empirical model performed better. Conclusion The degree of soda salinization and alkalization is a key factor constraining soil infiltration capacity. The applicability of infiltration models for soils with different degrees of salinization and alkalization can be optimized based on thresholds of typical saline-alkali indicators. These findings provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for simulating water movement and managing irrigation and drainage in soda saline-alkali soil regions.
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