Soil erosion resistance of 'Grain for Green' vegetation types under extreme rainfall conditions on the Loess Plateau, China

摘要

Objectives: Soil erosion, which is pronounced on the Loess Plateau of China, is generally caused by heavy rain or thunderstorms. To control soil and water losses and improve the eco-environmental condition of the Loess Plateau, the Chinese Central Government issued the "Grain for Green (GFG)" policy in 1999 to restore vegetation on previously farmed steep lands. This study will explore the value of the "GFG" policy by examining the response of three different "GFG" vegetation types (grassland, woodland and orchard) in controlling erosion from an extreme rainfall event in the Northern Shaanxi Province on the Loess Plateau of China.