Changes in Soil Aggregate Fractions, Stability, and Associated Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in Different Land Use Types in the Loess Plateau, China

Rational land use can enhance soil nutrient sequestration and control erosion, but the mechanisms of ecological restoration soil-aggregate-associated carbon nitrogen are still not well understood. A large-scale program was launched in Loess Plateau during 1990s. The programs involved converting slope farmland to woodland, grassland, shrub land, terrace. We studied their effects relation cultivated as on aggregate structure stability associated organic total contents 60 cm depth Plateau. Our results indicate that practices reduced fragmentation, increased stability, transformed micro-aggregates into small large aggregates. Comparing with >0.25 mm amount terrace by 71%, 66%, 46%, 35%, respectively, which improved health overall. mean weight diameter indicates (SAS) hydraulic erosion resistance improved. In conclusion, directly or indirectly affected SAS through influence different layers. Results this study provide a scientific reference for understanding stabilization regional restoration.