Abstract
Vegetation plays a significant role in controlling soil erosion. However, the effects of each vegetation type on soil erosion have not been fully investigated. In order to explore the influence of multiple vegetation covers on soil erosion and surface runoff generation, 10 different vegetation types, typical of the Nverzhai small basin, have been selected for this study. Regional precipitation, surface runoff, and sediment yield were measured from 2007 to 2018. The wettest year recorded was 2012. Recorded data confirmed that July was the wettest month in this region while January and December were the driest months. Furthermore, surface runoff and sediment yield associated with different vegetation types gradually decreased after 2013, which is the quantification of the consequences due to afforestation processes started in this area. Surface runoff and sediment content recorded for the configuration of sloping farmland were the largest between the different investigated vegetation types. The smallest were the broad-leaved mixed forest, the coniferous mixed forest, and shrubs. Finally, a significant linear positive correlation was found between rainfall and surface runoff, as well as sediment yield (R2 = 0.75). This suggests that climate change implications could be limited by using the more efficient vegetation covering. This research indicates that the ground cover is a key element in controlling soil and water loss, as well as vegetation measures, with high ground cover (i.e., broad-leaved trees). These measures should be strongly recommended for soil erosion control and surface runoff reduction. Moreover, these outcomes can be very helpful for vegetation restoration and water conservation strategies if implemented by local authorities.
Highlights
Surface runoff is associated with water that flows due to excess of stormwater, when the soil is saturated to full capacity and the rain arrives quicker than the soil can absorb it [1,2]
This study investigated rainfall trends between 2007 and 2018 in the Nverzhai basin, Hunan Province in China, focusing on the runoff generation under multiple vegetation covers
The wettest year recorded within this period was 2012 and the data recorded have confirmed that July was the wettest month in this region while January and December were the driest months
Summary
Surface runoff is associated with water that flows due to excess of stormwater, when the soil is saturated to full capacity and the rain arrives quicker than the soil can absorb it [1,2]. The rain kinetic energy derives from the kinetic energy components of each single raindrop that strikes the soil [8] These raindrops, falling directly into the soil, generate the dispersion of soil particles, which reduce the capacity of infiltration for the soil and increase the runoff [9]. Being an important part of water cycle in every forest ecosystem, the amount of runoff directly impacts the hydrological characteristics of each affected basin. This hydrological parameter is an important indicator to measure, in each forest, the amount of water conservation, soil conservation, and flood peak reduction [10].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
