Effect of Vegetation Restoration on Soil and Water Erosion and Nutrient Losses of a Severely Eroded Clayey Plinthudult in Southeastern China
Background
In this study, researchers compare erosion from reforested and degraded sites in subtropical southeastern China.
Goals & Methods
The objective of the study was to estimate the long-term influences of reforestation on soil and water erosion and nutrient losses in regions of southeast China that are characterized by severely eroded bare land derived from Quaternary red clay. The study examined surface runoff, soil erosion, and soil nutrient content.
Conclusions & Takeaways
Steep slopes and intensive agriculture have left many areas of this region devoid of top soil with the C soil layer exposed. Lespedeza bicolor, Cinnamomum camphora and other local trees were selected and planted in degraded sites along contours using stone dikes and gullies. Erosion varied from 53 to 256 tons ha−1 sediment runoff on unplanted sites to 2–43 tons ha−1 year−1 on reforested sites. Authors conclude that reforestation is an effective strategy to reduce erosion.
Reference:
. Effect of vegetation restoration on soil and water erosion and nutrient losses of a severely eroded clayey Plinthudult in southeastern China. CATENA. 2004;57:77–90. doi:10.1016/j.catena.2003.07.001.
Affiliation:
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, PR China
- Geographical Institute, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany