Background and AimsTerraces on the Loess Plateau perform vital ecological roles in soil and water conservation. However, different vegetation types have created soil fissures and large pores, affecting groundwater infiltration dynamics and preferential flow characteristics. This study examines preferential flow patterns across four vegetation types in the Loess Plateau's terraced areas, aiming to identify the main factors influencing these patterns.MethodsThe research utilized a bright blue dye as a tracer and image processing technology to analyze soil preferential flow under four different vegetation types. It also quantitatively assessed the relationship between environmental factors and preferential flow characteristics.ResultsSubstrate flow depths were shallower in caragana fields and woodlands than in grasslands and potato lands. Preferential flows in caragana fields and woodlands were more differentiated, displaying tubular and patchy patterns, predominantly dominated by vertical percolation. In contrast, grasslands and potato lands mostly had lateral infiltration, with dendritic and clustered flow patterns. The depth of preferential flow varied with vegetation type: 20-50 cm in grasslands, 20-40 cm in woodlands, 20-60 cm in caragana fields, and 20-60 cm in potato lands. Maximum staining depths were 55.1 cm, 38.5 cm, 54.0 cm, and 56.2 cm, respectively. The spatial distribution of stained areas and flow paths was influenced by the distribution of plant root systems and soil properties, with soil porosity identified as the primary determinant of preferential flow.ConclusionsSoil properties and plant, root distribution, influenced by vegetation type, are crucial in shaping preferential flow characteristics on the Loess Plateau.