The effects of land use on soil moisture variation in the Danangou catchment of the Loess Plateau, China

Abstract

Soil moisture plays a critical role in both crop growth and vegetation restoration in semiarid environments. Its spatial and temporal variability results from topography, soils, vegetation and land uses. However, little knowledge exists about the effects of land use structure on soil moisture variability. In order to analyze soil moisture variations in relation to land use patterns, five land use structures and seven land use types were selected to monitor soil moisture. Soil moisture measurements were performed biweekly at 26 locations in a small catchment on the Loess Plateau of China from May to October 1998. The measurements were taken using a Theta-Probe at five depths of soil profile (0–5, 15–20, 25–30, 45–50 and 70–75 cm). These data were analyzed for soil moisture variations in space and time for seven land use types. Three peaks and three troughs of soil moisture variations during the growing season were found. The influence of shrubland on mean soil moisture within 0–70 cm was significantly different from that of cropland, orchard and intercropping land. Three types of soil moisture changes in profile were classified as increasing, decreasing and waving types. An analysis of the differences in soil moisture for five land use structures indicated that the influences of land use patterns on soil moisture were complex. This study provides an insight into the implications for hydrological modeling, runoff and erosion control in this area.