Information on the effects of differences in root and soil properties on Saturated hydraulic conductivity (
Ks) is crucial for estimating rainfall infiltration and evaluating sustainable ecological development. This study selected typical grass shrub composite plots widely distributed in hilly and
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Information on the effects of differences in root and soil properties on Saturated hydraulic conductivity (
Ks) is crucial for estimating rainfall infiltration and evaluating sustainable ecological development. This study selected typical grass shrub composite plots widely distributed in hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau:
Caragana korshinskii,
Caragana korshinskii and
Agropyron cristatum (fibrous root),
and Caragana korshinskii and
Artemisia gmelinii (taproot). Samples were collected at different distances from the base of the shrub (0 cm, 50 cm), with a sampling depth of 0–30 cm. The constant head method is used to measure the
Ks. The
Ks decreased with increasing soil depth. Due to the influence of shrub growth, there was significant spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of
Ks at different positions from the base of the shrub. Compared to the sample location situated 50 cm from the base of the shrub, it was observed that in a single shrub plot, the
Ks at the base were higher, while in a grass shrub composite plot, the
Ks at the base were lower. Root length density, >0.25 mm aggregates, and organic matter were the main driving factors affecting
Ks. The empirical equation established by using principal component analysis to reduce the dimensions of these three factors and calculate the comprehensive score was more accurate than the empirical equation established by previous researchers, who considered only root or soil properties. Root length density and organic matter had significant indirect effects on
Ks, reaching 52.87% and 78.19% of the direct effects, respectively. Overall, the composite plot of taproot herbaceous and shrub (
Caragana korshinskii and
Artemisia gmelinii) had the highest
Ks, which was 82.98 cm·d
−1. The ability of taproot herbaceous plants to improve
Ks was higher than that of fibrous root herbaceous plants. The research results have certain significance in revealing the influence mechanism of the grass shrub composite on
Ks.
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