The effect of afforestation as a restoration measure in a degraded area in a Mediterranean environmetn near Lorca (Spain)

摘要

In parts of Spain which suffer from desertification, afforestation has taken place to supposedly reduce the effect of land degradation, notably erosion. In a marl limestone area near Lorca, south eastern Spain, the effects of afforestation on overland flow and erosion processes are studied. The natural vegetation i nthe area consists mainly of Stipa tenacissima (perennial grass) and Pinus halepensis. In 1983 Pinus halepensis have been planted on terraces, which were created with heavy machinery.