Soil-erosion and runoff prevention by plant covers. A review

Abstract

Soil erosion is a critical environmental problem throughout the world's terrestrial ecosystems. Erosion inflicts multiple, serious damages in managed ecosystems such as crops, pastures, or forests as well as in natural ecosystems. In particular, erosion reduces the waterholding capacity because of rapid water runoff, and reduces soil organic matter. As a result, nutrients and valuable soil biota are transported. At the same time, species diversity of plants, animals, and microbes is significantly reduced. One of the most effective measures for erosion control and regeneration the degraded former soil is the establishment of plant covers. Indeed, achieving future of safe environment depends on conserving soil, water, energy, and biological resources. Soil erosion can be controlled through a process of assessment at regional scales for the development and restoration of the plant cover, and the introduction of conservation measures in the areas at greatest risk. Thus, conservation of these vital resources needs to receive high priority to ensure the effective protection of managed and natural ecosystems. This review article highlights three majors topics: (1) the impact of erosion of soil productivity with particular focus on climate and soil erosion; soil seal and crust development; and C losses from soils; (2) land use and soil erosion with particular focus on soil loss in agricutural lands; shrub and forest lands; and the impact of erosion in the Mediterranean terraced lands; and (3) the impact of plant covers on soil erosion with particular focus on Mediterranean factors affecting vegetation; plant roots and erosion control; and plant cover and biodiversity. soil degradation / soil erosion / biomass / soil productivity / sustainability / climate / global warming / C

Management of service crops for the provision of ecosystem services in vineyards: A review

“…They improve the stability of soil aggregates (Goulet et al, 2004) and protect them from the impacts of rain drops, reducing aggregate breakdown and soil detachment (Dabney et al, 2001). Service crops also prevent soil crusting and sealing (Durán Zuazo and Rodríguez Pleguezuelo, 2008). As an example, a 4-year experiment measuring water erosion in Gerlach troughs under various treatments (tillage, Secale cereale and Brachypodium distachyon service crops) showed soil loss reductions by 91% and 93% with Secale and Brachypodium, respectively (Ruiz-Colmenero et al, 2013).…”

Quantification and control of runoff and soil erosion on avocado orchards on ridges along steep-hillslopes

“…In regard to the tree soil protection effect, Durán and Rodríguez (2008) indicated that it depends on the percentage of the soil coverage, the modification caused by the foliage in the distribution pattern of drops falling on the soil surface, and the soil coverage by leaf litter under the trees. Experiments made in olive trees in Southern Spain have shown decreased erosion after the fruit trees were grown; however, that reduction is lower when soil is bare without leaf litter under the trees (Gómez et al, 2009).…”

Les volailles pour un contrôle biologique des adventices dans les vergers

“…L'utilisation excessive d'herbicides en agriculture conduit en outre à l'apparition de phéno-mènes d'érosion et de lessivage des sols [2,3]. Les vergers pentus y sont donc particulièrement sensibles.…”