Abstract
In Qinjiagou watershed of Three-Gorge of Yangtze River, 18 indices were selected from canopy layer, litter layer, soil layer and topography to evaluate the soil and water conservation capacities of four common plantation types by ideal point method. Results indicated that the broadleaf plantation of robur (Lithocrpus glabra) and Chinese gugertree (Schima superba) (LS) has the biggest soil and water conservation capacity. The rank of three other plantation types from big to small is the mixed broadleaf plantation of sweetgum (Liguidambar formosana), Chinese gugertree and camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) (LSC), the mixed broadleaf-conifer plantation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) and Chinese gugertree (CPS), and the mixed Pine plantation of Chinese fir and Masson pine (CP). Under the same climate and topographical condition, the broadleaf plantation has better soil and water conservation capacity than the conifer plantation. Sensitivity analysis showed that the three most sensitive indices are soil non-capillary porosity, soil aggregation, and soil initial infiltration rate. The litter amount and soil properties are the most important indicators of soil and water conservation capacity of plantations. Therefore, suitable measurements such as deep tillage should be taken to improve the properties of soil under different plantations.
Highlights
Soil erosion is one of the biggest environmental problems in the Southwest region of China
Five 1 × 1 m2 subplots were randomly chosen in each 20 × 20 m2 plots and leaf litter fall was sampled
We found that under the same condition, soil and water conservation capacity of hardwood forest is better than that of mixed forest of hardwood and softwood, and much better than that of conifer forest
Summary
Soil erosion is one of the biggest environmental problems in the Southwest region of China. Researches indicated that various types of plantations are all able to reduce surface runoff and soil erosion effectively (Woodward et al, 1995; Jiang et al, 2007), and their function was affected by human and natural disturbances (Noske et al, 2010; Uzun et al, 2011). In the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, people have replanted most of farmlands with Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), Masson pine (Pinus massoniana), robur (Lithocrpus glabra), sweetgum (Liguidambar formosan), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and other tree species. Are these plantation types suitable for reforestation, and are they helpful to protect soil and water? Are these plantation types suitable for reforestation, and are they helpful to protect soil and water? The information is urgently needed to understand soil and water conservation capacity of different plantation types
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