Effects of Caragana korshinskii Plantation on Soil Aggregate Stability and Erodibility on Loess Slopes
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Affiliation:

College of Life Sciences,Shanxi Normal University,Taiyuan

Clc Number:

S157.1

Fund Project:

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program, Key Program, Major Research Plan)

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    Abstract:

    [Objective] This study explores the effects of long-term Caragana korshinskii (C. korshinskii) plantation on the stability of soil aggregates and erodibility on the loess hilly slopes, providing theoretical support for artificial vegetation construction and ecological restoration in the Loess Plateau region. [Methods] Grassy slope was used as a comparison, C. korshinskii plots with different plantation durations (15, 25, 35 years) along contour lines on slopes were selected as research subjects. The study analyzed the characteristics of changes in soil aggregate stability and erodibility due to long-term C. korshinskii plantation, as well as the main influencing factors. [Results] (1) The soil aggregate stability indicators, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and the content of aggregates >0.25 mm (WR0.25), generally showed a trend of 15-year C. korshinskii plantation > barren grassy land > 25-year C. korshinskii plantation > 35-year C. korshinskii plantation. In terms of slope position, the order was bottom slope > top slope > mid-slope > upper slope. Conversely, the soil erodibility K factor exhibited an opposite trend. (2) With the increase in the plantation duration of C. korshinskii compared to barren grassy land, soil aggregate stability indicators initially increased and then decreased, while the stability in the intervals of barren grassy strips continuously declined. The difference between the two became more pronounced after the plantation duration exceeded 15 years, especially at the bottom slope. (3) Soil organic carbon and slope position were the main factors influencing the soil aggregation stability and erodibility on the slope, explaining 38% and 4.1% of the variation, respectively, followed by planting duration and altitude. [Conclusion] Strip plantation of C. korshinskii on the loess hilly slopes affects the distribution of soil organic carbon, thereby influencing soil aggregate stability and erodibility. Plantation for less than 15 years contributes to the improvement of soil aggregate stability and the reduction of erodibility, but a reverse trend gradually emerges with more extended plantation, particularly at the bottom slope locations.

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History
  • Received:October 23,2023
  • Revised:December 05,2023
  • Adopted:December 06,2023
  • Online: June 27,2024
  • Published: