In this study

the effects of attapulgite (ATP) on soil water movement and hydrodynamic parameters were investigated by adding different rates

i.e. 0

10

20

30

40

50

and 60 g/kg

of ATP into the soil uniformly. The results indicated that soil infiltration rate was reduced and cumulative infiltration decreased with increasing ATP content. When the ATP content was increased

residual water content (θr) decreased

and saturated water content (θs) increased

the reciprocal value of air intake (α) increased

and the form factor (n) decreased. At the same time

soil water holding capacity increased with increasing ATP content. When unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity

diffusivity and unsaturated soil water retention capacity were calculated according to the relevant parameters of the van Genuchten formula

unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity

diffusivity and capacity of water all decreased with increasing ATP content. By fitting the unsaturated soil water diffusivity using the empirical formula

relatively high relevance was observed. In summary

adding ATP to the soil has some penetration-retarding effects

it can improve soil water holding capacity and reduce soil macropores

and can improve soil quality to some degree.