Optimizing Subsurface Drainage Pipe Layout Parameters in Southern Xinjiang’s Saline–Alkali Soils: Impacts on Soil Salinity Dynamics and Oil Sunflower Growth Performance

This study addresses secondary soil salinization driven by shallow groundwater in the Yanqi Basin of southern Xinjiang, focusing on subsurface drainage system (SDS) optimization for salt regulation and oil sunflower productivity improvement in severe saline–alkali soils. Through controlled field experiments conducted (May–October 2024), we evaluated five SDS configurations: control (CK, no drainage) and four drain spacing/depth combinations (20/40 m × 1.2/1.5 m). Comprehensive monitoring revealed distinct spatiotemporal patterns, with surface salt accumulation (0–20 cm: 18.59–32.94 g·kg−1) consistently exceeding subsurface levels (>20–200 cm: 6.79–17.69 g·kg−1). The A3 configuration (20 m spacing, 1.5 m depth) demonstrated optimal root zone desalination (0–60 cm: 14.118 g·kg−1), achieving 39.02% salinity reduction compared to CK (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed strong depth-dependent inverse correlations between groundwater level and soil salinity (R2 = 0.529–0.919), with burial depth exhibiting 1.7-fold greater regulatory influence than spacing parameters (p < 0.01). Crop performance followed salinity gradients (A3 > A1 > A4 > A2 > CK), showing significant yield improvements across all SDS treatments versus CK (p < 0.05). Multi-criteria optimization integrating TOPSIS modeling and genetic algorithms identified A3 as the Pareto-optimal solution. The optimized configuration (20 m spacing, 1.5 m depth) effectively stabilized aquifer dynamics, reduced topsoil salinization (0–60 cm), and enhanced crop adaptability in silt loam soils. This research establishes an engineering framework for sustainable saline–alkali soil remediation in arid basin agroecosystems, providing critical insights for water–soil management in similar ecoregions.