The Influence of Straw Mulch on the Transport and Distribution of Water and Salt in Indirect Drip Irrigation with Saline Water

Straw mulch could effectively inhibit the ineffective evaporation of soil water, which could significantly improve the water use efficiency of crops and inhibit the return of soil salt. The research and popularization of straw mulch technology is beneficial to the sustainable development of agriculture. An indoor, indirect drip irrigation experiment with saline water was done under different straw thicknesses and straw comminution degrees, analyzing the soil water content and soil electrical conductivity. The results showed that: the hindering effect of straw mulch on water and salinity increased with the increase of straw mulch thickness; soil water content decreased with the distance from the water-conducting device increasing; soil electrical conductivity reached the minimum in the water outlet of a water-conducting device; and it reached a maximum in the straw mulching edge and wetting front boundary. The hindering effect of straw mulch on water and salinity decreased with the increase of the straw comminution degree.