Tree species and functional traits but not species richness affect interrill erosion processes in young subtropical forests

Abstract

Abstract. Soil erosion is seriously threatening ecosystem functioning in many parts of the world. In this context, it is assumed that tree species richness and functional diversity of tree communities can play a critical role in improving ecosystem services such as erosion control. An experiment with 170 micro-scale run-off plots was conducted to investigate the influence of tree species and tree species richness as well as functional traits on interrill erosion in a young forest ecosystem. An interrill erosion rate of 47.5 Mg ha−1 a−1 was calculated. This study provided evidence that different tree species affect interrill erosion differently, while tree species richness did not affect interrill erosion in young forest stands. Thus, different tree morphologies have to be considered, when assessing soil erosion under forest. High crown cover and leaf area index reduced interrill erosion in initial forest ecosystems, whereas rising tree height increased it. Even if a leaf litter cover was not present, the remaining soil surface cover by stones and biological soil crusts was the most important driver for soil erosion control. Furthermore, soil organic matter had a decreasing influence on interrill erosion. Long-term monitoring of soil erosion under closing tree canopies is necessary, and a wide range of functional tree traits should be considered in future research.

The transition from arable lands to rubber tree plantations in northern Thailand impacts weed assemblages and soil physical properties

“…Although few studies investigated specifically the impact of weeds on soil erosion, it seems reasonable to assume that similarly to other plant covers, weeds support soil fertility and favour erosion control (Durán Zuazo & Pleguezuelo, ). Plants at ground level reduce splash erosion and reduce runoff velocity (Seitz et al ., ). Roots reduce runoff and erosion by increasing soil shear strength and favouring infiltration (Janeau et al ., ); they also enhance soil stability by direct meshing of soil aggregates (Durán Zuazo & Pleguezuelo, ).…”

The Effects of Expansive Shrubs on Plant Species Richness and Soils in Semi‐arid Communal Lands, South Africa

“…Ehrenfeld () and recently Seitz et al . () indicated that changes in soil characteristics directly influence the composition of plant communities, with soil processes responding to the composition of the plant community and vice versa. The possibility that plant‐driven changes in soil processes could create feedback mechanisms that increase the expansion of such species could be vital for the management of expansion (as well as invasion) or the restoration of native communities (Ehrenfeld, ).…”

“…The aforementioned patchy vegetation patterns can be associated with particular soil surface conditions, water redistribution on the soil surface and landscape function, which are often a joint result of natural processes or human activity (Kakembo, 2004). Ehrenfeld (2001) and recently Seitz et al (2016) indicated that changes in soil characteristics directly influence the composition of plant communities, with soil processes responding to the composition of the plant community and vice versa. The possibility that plant-driven changes in soil processes could create feedback mechanisms that increase the expansion of such species could be vital for the management of expansion (as well as invasion) or the restoration of native communities (Ehrenfeld, 2001).…”

Study of soil water-erosion intensity and vegetation cover of an oak-spruce forest in the Pokutsko-Bukovina Carpathians, Ukraine

“…High crown cover reduced soil erosion, whereas it was slightly increased with increased tree height. Thus, low tree stands with a high canopy cover effectively counteract soil loss [50]. Our results illustrate the changes in stand structure and species diversity and provide correlations between stand parameters (mensuration parameters, canopy cover, tree health and vitality structure) in four zones, based on different intensities of water erosion.…”