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

Publikation: Beiträge in ZeitschriftenZeitschriftenaufsätzeForschungbegutachtet

Authors

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.

OriginalspracheEnglisch
ZeitschriftSOIL
Jahrgang2
Ausgabenummer1
Seiten (von - bis)49-61
Anzahl der Seiten13
DOIs
PublikationsstatusErschienen - 21.01.2016

Bibliographische Notiz

Publisher Copyright:
© Author(s) 2016.

Dokumente

DOI

Zuletzt angesehen

Publikationen

  1. The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard as a Framework for Eco-Efficiency Analysis
  2. Transparency in an Age of Digitalization and Responsibility
  3. Sense of Place in Spatial Planning
  4. Explaining energy transition
  5. Formative assessment in mathematics
  6. On the geometric control of internal forces in power grasps
  7. Systems Engineering in Public Administration
  8. Methods in sustainability science
  9. External voting
  10. System Properties Determine Food Security and Biodiversity Outcomes at Landscape Scale
  11. Using ecological and life-history characteristics for projecting species' responses to climate change
  12. Das neue AGG
  13. Improving the surface quality of AlMgSi1 alloy with the selection of the appropriate vibration grinding stones
  14. A world of abundance
  15. Kommentierung zu Art. 351 AEUV
  16. Entwicklung und realisierung eines computer-basierten lernprogramms zur GMP-schulung/Programm-entwicklung und benutzer-akzeptanz
  17. Exploring Mexican lower secondary school students’ perceptions of inclusion
  18. Explaining primary school teachers’ intention to use digital learning platforms for students’ individualized practice
  19. Using meaningful places as an indicator for sense of place in the management of social-ecological systems
  20. Glen Mills Schools
  21. Insights into the accuracy of social scientists’ forecasts of societal change
  22. Identifying past social-ecological thresholds to understand long-term temporal dynamics in Spain
  23. Geodetic rays and fibers in periodic graphs
  24. Revisions and further developments of the Occupational Stress Indicator
  25. Global assessment of the non-equilibrium concept in rangelands
  26. Robert Walser / W. G. Sebald.
  27. Advancing science on the multiple connections between biodiversity, ecosystems and people
  28. Leverage points for improving gender equality and human well-being in a smallholder farming context