Understanding linkages between heterogeneous soil structures and non-uniform flow is fundamental for interpreting infiltration processes and improving hydrological simulations. Here, we utilized ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a non-invasive technique to investigate those linkages and to complement current traditional methods that are labor-intensive, invasive, and non-repeatable. We combined time-lapse GPR surveys with different types of infiltration experiments to create three-dimensional (3D) diagrams of the wetting dynamics. We carried out the GPR surveys and validated them with in situ observations, independent measurements and field excavations at two experimental sites. Those sites were selected to represent different mechanisms that generate non-uniform flow: (1) preferential water infiltration initiated by tree trunk and root systems; and (2) lateral subsurface flow due to soil layering. Results revealed links between different types of soil heterogeneity and non-uniform flow. The first experimental site provided evidence of root-induced preferential flow paths along coarse roots, emphasizing the important role of coarse roots in facilitating preferential water movement through the subsurface. The second experimental site showed that water infiltrated through the restrictive layer mainly following the plant root system. The presented approach offers a non-invasive, repeatable and accurate way to detect non-uniform flow.

了解异质土壤结构和非均匀流动之间的联系是解释渗透过程和改进水文模拟的基础。在这里，我们利用探地雷达 (GPR) 作为一种非侵入性技术来研究这些联系，并补充当前劳动密集型、侵入性和不可重复的传统方法。我们将延时 GPR 调查与不同类型的渗透实验相结合，以创建润湿动力学的三维 (3D) 图。我们进行了 GPR 调查，并在两个实验地点通过原位观察、独立测量和现场挖掘对其进行了验证。选择这些地点来代表产生非均匀流动的不同机制：（1）由树干和根系引发的优先水渗透；(2) 由于土壤分层引起的横向地下流。结果揭示了不同类型的土壤异质性与非均匀流动之间的联系。第一个实验地点提供了沿着粗根的根诱导优先流动路径的证据，强调了粗根在促进优先水通过地下运动方面的重要作用。第二个实验点表明，水主要沿着植物根系通过限制层渗入。所提出的方法提供了一种非侵入性、可重复和准确的方法来检测非均匀流动。强调粗根在促进水通过地下的优先运动方面的重要作用。第二个实验点表明，水主要沿着植物根系通过限制层渗入。所提出的方法提供了一种非侵入性、可重复和准确的方法来检测非均匀流动。强调粗根在促进水通过地下的优先运动方面的重要作用。第二个实验点表明，水主要沿着植物根系通过限制层渗入。所提出的方法提供了一种非侵入性、可重复和准确的方法来检测非均匀流动。