Soil anti-erodibility influenced by biological crusts in Loess Hilly and Gully Region
LI Ningning1, ZHANG Guanghui1,2, WANG Hao1, ZHANG Baojun3, YANG Hanyue1
1. Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China; 2. State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Process and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China; 3. Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
Abstract：[Background] As one of the important near soil surface components, biological soil crusts (BSCs) may significantly affect soil erosion processes.[Methods] Two abandoned slope farmlands with little human disturbance covered by two dominant biological crust types (moss crust and mixed crust which is mixed by algae and moss) were selected in Xiannangou small watershed of Ansai, Shannxi province to investigate the effects of biological crusts on soil anti-erodibility. One nearby cropland of corn was taken as the control. Soil samples were taken from 50 cm×50 cm quadrats with different crust coverages of 0-20%, > 20%-40%, > 40%-60%, > 60%-80% and > 80%-100%. Soil penetration resistance, cohesion, saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability (constant raindrop number method and wet sieving method), and soil erodibility K factor were measured or computed. A weighted integrating method was utilized to produce a comprehensive soil anti-erodibility index (CSAI) based on those above soil anti-erodibility indicators to reflect soil anti-erodibility comprehensively.[Results] 1) Saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and comprehensive soil anti-erodibility index of soils covered by moss were greater than those covered by mixed crusts. 2) After BSCs were removed, soil penetration resistance, cohesion, saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability and comprehensive soil anti-erodibility index decreased, while K factor increased. 3) Soil penetration resistance, cohesion, aggregate stability and comprehensive soil anti-erodibility index increased, while saturated hydraulic conductivity and K factor showed a decreasing trend with BSCs coverage. 4) Compared to the control, the comprehensive soil anti-erodibility index of soils covered by BSC increased ranging from 0.50 to 0.52.[Conclusions] BSCs could effectively increase soil anti-erodibility and moss functions well than mixed BSCs. Soil anti-erodibility enhanced with BSCs coverage. The results are significant to detect the mechanism of BSC promoting soil anti-erodibility, and to evaluate soil and water conservation benefits of BSCs.
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2020, Vol. 18 
