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Background and aims <p>Understanding the root-soil water interactions is essential for improving the sustainability of agroforestry systems in semiarid regions. This study investigated how different agroforestry systems regulate fine root spatial patterns and soil water utilization in long-term rainfed jujube (<i>Ziziphus jujuba</i> Mill.) orchards.</p> Methods <p>Soil samples were collected to 500&#xa0;cm depth in jujube orchards intercropped with canola (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.) or daylily (<i>Hemerocallis fulva</i> L.), and compared with monoculture. Fine root length density and soil water content were measured to evaluate root distribution and hydrological status.</p> Results <p>Jujube intercropped with canola facilitated a cooperative root distribution, by increasing the abundance of jujube fine roots in shallow soil layers (0–60&#xa0;cm). This system improved hydrological conditions, with a significantly thicker surface wetting soil layer (mean 93.3&#xa0;cm) and a reduced dried soil layer thickness (83.3&#xa0;cm) compared to the jujube monoculture (73.3&#xa0;cm and 141.6&#xa0;cm, respectively). Conversely, jujube intercropped with daylily triggered competitive displacement, forcing jujube fine roots into deeper soil layers (120–300&#xa0;cm). This downward migration resulted in a thinner surface wetting layer (65.0&#xa0;cm) and extended dried soil layer thickness (95.0&#xa0;cm), particularly in inter-row zones.</p> Conclusions <p>Intercropping species influence root plasticity and soil water redistribution. Intercropping with canola improved hydrological sustainability through shallow root niche overlap and enhanced soil water conservation, whereas intercropping with daylily intensified deep soil water consumption by promoting downward root proliferation. Compatible intercrop selection is thus critical for sustainable water management in water-limited orchards.</p>

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Exploring the effects of canola and daylily on deep soil desiccation and jujube tree root traits in semiarid agroforestry systems on the Loess Plateau, China

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月23日

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  • Qiang Ling,
  • Wenhao Sun,
  • Min Tang,
  • Xiaodong Gao,
  • Xining Zhao,
  • Dan Liu

摘要

Background and aims

Understanding the root-soil water interactions is essential for improving the sustainability of agroforestry systems in semiarid regions. This study investigated how different agroforestry systems regulate fine root spatial patterns and soil water utilization in long-term rainfed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) orchards.

Methods

Soil samples were collected to 500 cm depth in jujube orchards intercropped with canola (Brassica napus L.) or daylily (Hemerocallis fulva L.), and compared with monoculture. Fine root length density and soil water content were measured to evaluate root distribution and hydrological status.

Results

Jujube intercropped with canola facilitated a cooperative root distribution, by increasing the abundance of jujube fine roots in shallow soil layers (0–60 cm). This system improved hydrological conditions, with a significantly thicker surface wetting soil layer (mean 93.3 cm) and a reduced dried soil layer thickness (83.3 cm) compared to the jujube monoculture (73.3 cm and 141.6 cm, respectively). Conversely, jujube intercropped with daylily triggered competitive displacement, forcing jujube fine roots into deeper soil layers (120–300 cm). This downward migration resulted in a thinner surface wetting layer (65.0 cm) and extended dried soil layer thickness (95.0 cm), particularly in inter-row zones.

Conclusions

Intercropping species influence root plasticity and soil water redistribution. Intercropping with canola improved hydrological sustainability through shallow root niche overlap and enhanced soil water conservation, whereas intercropping with daylily intensified deep soil water consumption by promoting downward root proliferation. Compatible intercrop selection is thus critical for sustainable water management in water-limited orchards.