Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Surface Soil Moisture Content in the Rocky Desertification Slope Under Different Land Preparation Measures

[Objective] The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of surface soil moisture content in the rocky desertification slope under different land preparation measures and to provide references for improving water resources utilization efficiency and agricultural management level on rocky desertification slopes. [Methods] The citrus forest under three land preparation measures of reverse slope, flat terrace, and natural slope on rocky desertification slope were chosen as the research objects. Classical statistics, geostatistics and multifractal theory were used to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of soil moisture content. [Results] (1) The soil moisture content of the reverse slope was significantly higher than that of the flat terrace and the natural slope (p<0.05). The spatial continuity, aggregation, total and structural variability of soil moisture content on the flat terrace were stronger than those on the reverse slope and the natural slope. (2) The soil moisture content of different land preparation measures showed moderate variability (10.00%≤CV≤100.00%), strong spatial autocorrelation [C0/(C0+C)≤0.25], and extremely significant (p<0.01) spatial aggregation. (3) The distribution of soil moisture content under different land preparation measures has multi-fractal characteristics. During the dry season, the distribution range of soil moisture content was narrowest on the reverse slope, and more discrete on the natural slope. During the rainy season, the distribution range of soil moisture content was narrowest on the flat terrace, and more uneven on the reverse slope. [Conclusion] Soil mechanical composition was the main factor that affected soil moisture content, and the reverse slope was more conducive to improved soil moisture conditions on rocky desertification slopes.