Soil Aggregate Stability and Carbon Density in Three Plantations in the Loess Plateau, China

Afforestation plays an important role in mitigating soil erosion and improving quality the Loess Plateau. However, there is no consistent conclusion about effect of tree species on properties. Robinia pseudoacacia, Pinus tabulaeformis, Malus pumila plantations were selected as research objects. Soil indices such content organic carbon (SOC) inorganic (SIC), density, aggregate stability, bulk density to study effects different The mean weight diameter (MWD) was calculated evaluate stability. results showed that: (1) MWD R. pseudoacacia 22%–67% lower than that P. tabuliformis across 0–80 cm layers. M. 27%–45% 57%–78% 0–50 (2) SOC 61%–127% 67%–148% higher pumila, respectively, while SIC 55%–82% 12%–14% pumila. (3) including 36%–49% 3%–31% respectively. (4) Aggregate increased with increasing size, decreased. Water-stable aggregates larger sizes had carbonate calcium. (5) both a binder dispersant aggregates, which depends its content. should be planted semi-arid area Plateau China, because this able increase matter improve structure compared other two species.