The effects of Pinus tabuliformis on soil detachment under different influencing factors in the Loess Plateau of China

In situ experiments were undertaken to examine the impacts of Pinus tabuliformis on soil detachment under different influencing factors. Experimental sites with slopes containing vegetation cover, plant roots and bare ground were investigated for slope gradients of 8.7%, 17.6%, 26.8%, 36.4% and 46.6% and flow discharges of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0?m³?s^?1. Results from our study provide details on the relationship between soil detachment and both slope gradient and flow discharge. Soil detachment rates increased with an increase in slope and discharge, and discharge was identified to have a stronger influence on soil detachment than slope. In contrast, the combination of litter cover and roots played an important role in reducing soil detachment; detachment rate decreased by about 55% relative to bare slopes; and plant roots had a greater impact on detachment reduction. The presence of vegetation cover can decrease rill erodibility by 83% and increase critical shear stress by 224% compared with bare slopes. These results provide valuable information on the importance of woodland in soil detachment control, and may help to improve vegetation construction in seriously eroded regions of the Loess Plateau.