Effect of Vegetation Restoration on Soil Hydrology in Karst Area of Southwest China: Inspiration from Barrel Planting Experiments

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects different vegetation restoration types on soil hydrology characteristics in Karst Plateau Gorge and clarify moisture (θ) use characteristics. A barrel experiment conducted monitor θ water potential (Ψ) three (Zanthoxylum bungeanum (ZB), Zea mays L. (ZM), Sophora tonkinensis (ST), Abandoned land (AL)) used as a control conditions each type. larger surface permeability led lower storage. storage showed law ZM > ST AL ZB. also had obvious dry-wet seasons. As typical drought-tolerant crop, ZB responded more obviously rainfall highest effective replenishment amount efficiency. Two processes were clearly involved decreasing moisture, which could be divided into stages changes: consumption period (CP), supplying (SP), relatively stable (RSP). CP occurred primarily November April, when prone stress required proper artificial replenishment. SP characterized by limited January May, significantly increased θ. During rainy season, corresponding with RSP, fluctuated within range. At end CP, shortage severe. In actual agricultural production, attention should given reasonable recharge. This research aims provide theoretical basis for karst management.