Tree diversity reduced soil erosion by affecting tree canopy and biological soil crust development in a subtropical forest experiment

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 444; pp. 69 - 77
• Main Authors: Song, Zhengshan, Seitz, Steffen, Li, Jian, Goebes, Philipp, Schmidt, Karsten, Kühn, Peter, Shi, Xuezheng, Scholten, Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.07.2019
• Subjects: afforestation; BEF China; Biological soil crust; biological soil crusts; canopy; China; erosion control; hydrology; Leaf area index; plantations; soil erosion; Soil loss; species richness; Tree species richness; trees; tropical forests; wet season; China; Tree species richness; Biological soil crust; BEF China; Soil loss; Leaf area index

•Annual soil erosion rates decreased with tree species richness.•Tree diversity reduced soil erosion by affecting tree canopy and biological soil crust development.•Restoring species-rich plantations may be beneficial for soil erosion control. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in forest ecosystem su...