The researchers studied how water and salt move in salty soils when exposed to evaporation and occasional irrigation with salty or clean water. They used different types of soil and water qualities in their experiments. They found that the amount of water evaporating from the soil decreased with more clay, sodium in the soil, and salt in the irrigation water. The distribution of salt in the soil was influenced by clay content, depth, sodium levels, and water salinity. Wetting and drying cycles reduced the ability of the soil to absorb water, especially in clay soils. Understanding these processes is crucial for improving soil desalination projects.