This paper focuses on the processes of water and salt movements in the groundwater-soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (GSPAC) system. First, it analyzes the key driving factors and mutual feedback mechanisms of the groundwater hydrological process and farmland ecosystem and proposes a new conception of groundwater benefit zone (GBZ). Secondly, it elaborates on the formation mechanisms of the groundwater benefit zone and the model development for simulation of the GBZ. Finally, based on the saline farmland water-salt coupling transport mechanism, scale effects, quantitative model of GBZ, and technical parameters of regional groundwater and salt regulation and control, the scientific issues and challenges related to the research framework of GBZ are prospected.

groundwater benefit zone  /  groundwater-soil-plant-atmosphere continuum  /  model simulation