Numerical Simulation of water Transfer In Unsaturated Soils : Evaluating The Effects of Temperature and Root Activity In water Distribution

Abstract

In a complex medium (particularly soil), understanding water movement is essential for optimizing water management in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This article presents a theoretical and numerical study of the effects of temperature and root activity on water retention phenomena in unsaturated soils, focusing on the combined influences of temperature variations and root activity on the vertical and horizontal distribution of water. A numerical model based on the finite element method was developed to simulate water flow in variably saturated porous media (soil), accounting for the impact of temperature on soil hydraulic properties and root water uptake dynamics. The simulations investigate how temperature gradients influence root water uptake, affecting soil moisture distribution and the efficiency of hydration within the root zone. The results indicate that elevated temperatures enhance evapotranspiration and alter the soil matrix potential, resulting in distinct water retention and redistribution patterns depending on soil depth. Furthermore, root activity adapts to thermal variations, significantly affecting water uptake rates and highlighting the crucial relationship between root function and environmental conditions. These results improve the capacity to predict soil-water dynamics across various climate scenarios, providing essential information for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.