Soil Salt and Water Regulation in Saline Agriculture Based on Physical Measures with Model Analysis
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper "Soil Salt and Water Regulation in Saline Agriculture Based on Physical Measures with Model Analysis" is to explore effective methods for improving crop yields in saline agricultural regions, particularly in the Yellow River Delta. The study investigates the impact of various physical improvement methods on soil water and salt movement during the cotton growing season. Employing field experiments and the HYDRUS-2D model, it evaluates the effectiveness of different techniques like film mulching and soil compaction in managing soil conditions for enhanced cotton yields, emphasizing their potential benefits for local farmers in the region. It provides new insights into managing soil conditions for better crop production in areas with shallow saline groundwater.
To further improve the paper, I have following suggestions:
1. While the study employs HYDRUS-2D for simulation and integrates field data for model calibration, it may have constraints in capturing the complete variability of soil conditions in the region.
2. The study focuses on specific physical improvement methods and their localized application, which might limit its generalizability to other saline agricultural settings with different environmental conditions and management practices.
3. The study involves complex physical improvement measures (e.g., film mulching, soil compaction). Implementing these methods on a large scale may be challenging and resource-intensive.
4. The study heavily relies on the HYDRUS-2D model for analysis. The accuracy of the results is therefore dependent on the model's reliability and the assumptions made within it. It is necessary to clarify the accuracy of field data that used for the model calibration.
5. Expand the literature review to include more recent studies or a wider range of perspectives on soil salt and water regulation in saline agriculture.
6. Discuss the practical implications of your findings for farmers and policymakers in the context of saline agriculture.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageNo.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThank you for providing the opportunity to review this manuscript which focuses on using a combination experimental work and HYDRUS-2D modeling to assess movement of soil water-salt under different physical improvement measures. Overall, I felt the manuscript was well written, a good study design was presented and thorough interpretation of results. My questions and suggestions are varied and are detailed below.
Line 94: What is meant by “improving soil temperature”? Increasing or decreasing temperature?
Lines 95-97: Confusing as written.
Line 196: Delete the word “transferring”
Figure 2: Text in this figure is too small to read.
Table 2 Where did these soil hydraulic parameters come from? Default model parameters?
2.3.2 and 2.3.4: What is the purpose for including discussion on the model equations into the main body of the manuscript? All of the information in these sections may be best placed in an Appendix, unless you are changing the model’s subroutines/equations or the equations are key to understanding and interpreting the model run results.
Line 434: Is HYDRUS a different model that HYDRUS-2D or a sub model/routine of the HYDRUS-2D?
Section 2.3.6: This section should be renamed “Model Calibration and Validation” and section 3.1 should be included in this section.
Section 3.2: This should be renamed “Results”.
Figure 4 and throughout: Why are you running the model and reviewing results for time periods where you already have observed data? Typically, a model is used to assess conditions or times (forward or backward) outside the observed data period and/or after adjusting the model variables.
Table 4: Are P, Ep, Tp, ETp, etc... modeled or observed data?
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageVery good English writing. Only a few adjustments needed, at best.
Author Response
Please see our replies in the document.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript “soil salt and water regulation in saline agriculture based on physical measures with model analysis” is well prepared and well revised. Please check for minor suggestions and the manuscript should be ready.
- Avoid repetition in key words such as word soil is repeated three times. Choose more specific words.
- Please use the correct units such as °C rather than applying superscripts to 0 or letter O
- I suggest improving the text quality in figure 2
- Delete 1:1 line from figure 6. It’s already understood and no need to mention it.
- I appreciate adding the heading implications and limitations of study.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required
Author Response
Please see our replies in the document.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors"This paper presents a compelling study, wherein the author diligently collected and scientifically analyzed data. Overall, it is a noteworthy contribution and has the potential for publication with minor revisions, as suggested below:
· Suggested Topic:
"Regulation of Soil Salt and Water in Saline Agriculture through Physical Measures with Model Analysis"
· Study Area Map:
1. Collaborate with a Geographer to improve the study area map, ensuring clarity and precision.
· Section 3.3:
1. Since Section 3.3 lacks spatial elements, consider renaming it to "Changes of Soil Salinity" to accurately reflect its content.
· Conclusion:
1. Modify the conclusion to align more closely with all the study objectives. Highlight specific details supporting Objective 3.
2. Add the limitations of the study, providing transparency about potential constraints.
3. Introduce future directions for research, offering insights into areas that could benefit from further exploration.
By incorporating these suggestions, the paper will not only enhance its overall quality but also increase its suitability for publication. The adjustments will contribute to the clarity, coherence, and completeness of the study."
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing required
Author Response
Please see our replies in the document.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
