Effects of vegetation near-soil-surface factors on runoff and sediment reduction in typical grasslands on the Loess Plateau, China

Vegetation near-soil-surface factors can protect topsoil from erosion, however, their contributions to the reduction of soil especially under natural rainfall events, have not been systematically recognized. This study was performed quantify effects on runoff and sediment events grasslands dominated by Bothriochloa ischaemum (Linn.) Keng (BI grassland) Artemisia gmelinii Thunb. (AG in two typical watersheds Loess Plateau, China 2018. By successive removal plant canopy, litter, biological crusts (BSCs) roots, we established five treatments including roots+BSCs, roots+BSCs+litter, intact grassland bare land each type. In total, twenty plots (5 m×3 m) with similar slopes aspects were constructed types grasslands. Results showed that litter roots reduced runoff, while BSCs, which swelled presence water, increased runoff. contrast, all these yield. addition, reductions yield I30 (maximum 30-min intensity) for vegetation factor except BSCs. Among factors, canopy had largest contribution reduction, accounting 48.8% 39.9% BI AG grasslands, respectively. The (21.3%–29.9%) BSCs (10.3%). total (70.8%) greater than (53.1%), almost same both (97.4% 96.7%). conclusion, according different production, our results may provide more complete insight scientific basis into various related controlling erosion.