Soil and Water Accumulation by Gravel and Sand Mulches in Western Loess Plateau of Northwest China

摘要

The use of Gravel and sand as mulch (known as Shatian in Chinese) is a farming technique designed to conserve the sporadic and limited rainfall in the region of rapidly draining loess soils in Northwest China for over 300 years. However, little studies were conducted concerning the beneficial effects of gravel and sand mulches on soil and water conservation. This study showed that (1) surface gravel and sand mulch increased soil temperature, and the mixed gravel and sand mulches were more effective in improving temperature than the pure gravel or the pure sand mulch; (2) surface gravel and sand mulches were effective in suppressing evaporation and the mixed gravel and sand gravel covers tended to reduce evaporation more effectively as compared with the pure gravel or the pure sand mulch; (3) gravel or the mixed gravel and sand covers reduced runoff and increased soil moisture storage as compared with the bare soil; (4) gravel or pebble mulch could effectively control wind erosion and trap eolian dust.