The effect of natural infrastructure on water erosion mitigation in the Andes

Abstract. To expand the knowledge base on natural infrastructure for erosion mitigation in Andes, it is necessary to move beyond case by empirical studies comprehensive assessments. This study reviews state of evidence effectiveness interventions mitigate soil water and based Andean published gray peer-reviewed literature. Based a systematic review 118 from this addressed following research questions. (1) Which indicators allow us assess infrastructure? (2) What overall impact working with on-site off-site mitigation? (3) locations types are needed fill critical gaps research? Three major categories were considered: restoration protection vegetation, such as forest or native grasslands, forestation exotic species implementation conservation measures mitigation. From suite physical, chemical biological commonly used research, two particularly relevant: organic carbon topsoil loss rates at plot scale. The vegetation has strongest effect quality, 3.01±0.893 times higher content compared control sites. Soil quality improvements significant but lower measures. reduce 62.1 % ± 9.2 %, even though highest when maintained. Further evaluate whether reported holds during extreme events related to, example, El Niño–Southern Oscillation.