Effects of Herbaceous Root Growth on Soil Resistance to Erosion under Different Planting Densities

• Published in: Shui tu bao chi xue bao Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 40 - 47
• Main Authors: LIU Junyang, ZHOU Zhengchao, HAN Weixiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: Editorial Department of Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 01.04.2025
• Subjects: dynamic change; herbaceous roots; planting density; soil resistance to erosion; the loess plateau
• ISSN: 1009-2242
• DOI: 10.13870/j.cnki.stbcxb.2025.02.027

［Objective］ To explore the effects of roots on soil consolidation and erosion reduction under different planting densities. ［Methods］ Typical herbaceous plants, including ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on the Loess Plateau were selected as the research objects. By setting three planting densities, i.e. 100, 300 and 500 plants/m2, the effects of plant root growth on soil resistance to erosion were studied experimentally. ［Results］ During the observation period, the root characteristics showed a trend of rapid increase at first and then slow decrease, with those of ryegrass and alfalfa being the best in medium and high planting-density plots, respectively. Driven by root growth, soil organic matter content showed an increasing trend, with that of ryegrass and alfalfa increasing the most in medium and high planting-density plots, which increased by 2.44 g/kg and 1.84 g/kg, respectively. Under the combined influence of changes in root and soil characteristics, rill erodibility index decre