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Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation
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Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Water".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 March 2025 | Viewed by 4782

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Peng Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-electric Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
Interests: soil and water conservation; erosion dynamics; hydrological process in arid regions; utilization of soil and water resources; ecological restoration
Dr. Jianye Ma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-electric Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
Interests: soil erosion; soil and water conservation; isotopic hydrology; ecological restoration; plant roots

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil erosion is a global environmental problem, leading to reductions in land productivity, water scarcity, and ecological system degradation, thereby threating food security. Therefore, the work of soil and water conservation has emerged as a priority for some countries. However, soil erosion and soil and water conservation are a complicated process, and extensive research is needed to elucidate their underlying mechanisms and to take appropriate conservation measures.

In recent years, researchers have conducted extensive work on soil erosion processes and mechanisms, the effect of vegetation when engineering measures for erosion reduction, and the development of soil erosion models. Systematic studies have been carried out on hydrodynamics, soil properties, and accompanying processes, and abundant achievements have been made.

We invite contributions including analyses and empirical work focusing on soil erosion and soil and water conservation, carried out either globally or in specific regions. We also encourage empirical research on hydrological factors, climate change, and human activities that could affect soil erosion and soil and water conservation. Other original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: hydrology, ecohydrology, climate change, soil quality, and vegetation restoration.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Peng Li
Dr. Jianye Ma
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • soil erosion
  • soil and water conservarion
  • ecohydrology
  • climate change
  • vegetation restoration
  • gully engineering

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2646 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Spatial Variability of Soil Nutrients in Typical Karst Rocky Desertification Areas
by Dongdong Zhang, Yaying Feng, Bin Zhang, Xinling Fan, Zhen Han and Jinxin Zhang
Water 2024, 16(23), 3346; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233346 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 297
Abstract
Soil nutrients are essential for plant survival, especially in karst regions where soil erosion is a significant threat, leading to ecosystem degradation. Rocks exposed in these areas contribute to fragmented soil coverage and the complex spatial distribution of soil nutrients, hindering vegetation recovery. [...] Read more.
Soil nutrients are essential for plant survival, especially in karst regions where soil erosion is a significant threat, leading to ecosystem degradation. Rocks exposed in these areas contribute to fragmented soil coverage and the complex spatial distribution of soil nutrients, hindering vegetation recovery. In this study, we collected 60 soil samples (0–30 cm deep) from a typical rocky desertification slope. Classical statistics and geostatistics were used to assess the spatial variability of the following key soil properties: soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK). The study mapped a continuous surface of soil nutrients using the ordinary kriging method to analyze the spatial variability of the karst slope. The results showed that, except for the bulk density and porosity, which showed little variation, the other soil characteristics had moderate to high levels of variability. The SOC, TN, and TP levels decreased with soil depth, while the TK content increased with soil depth. Each soil layer has strong spatial autocorrelation in its SOC. The variability of TP and TK decreases with soil depth, indicating strong spatial autocorrelation. In the 0–10 cm soil layer, the SOC displays the highest level of continuity, with the TN exhibiting a higher level of variability compared to the other nutrients. Within the 10–20 cm soil layer, the SOC, TN, TP, and TK all exhibit strong spatial autocorrelation. Moving to the 20–30 cm soil layer, the structural variability of SOC is the most pronounced. The correlation between soil nutrients and other soil properties was not strong, with only a cumulative explanatory power of 11.81% in the first two axes of a redundancy analysis (RDA). Among them, the bulk density and silt content had a significant impact on soil nutrients. Studying the spatial variability of soil nutrients in rocky desertification areas is crucial for improving soil quality and promoting vegetation restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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12 pages, 2307 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Soil Dry–Wet Cycles on the Mineralization of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in Check Dams of the Loess Plateau
by Zechao Gao, Peng Shi, Lulu Bai, Zhiqiang Min, Duoxun Xu, Bo Wang and Lingzhou Cui
Water 2024, 16(22), 3274; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223274 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 352
Abstract
Frequent soil drying and wetting cycles significantly affect the mineralization processes of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN), impacting soil quality and contributing to nutrient loss. However, the effects of these dry–wet cycles on SOC and STN mineralization in dam soil [...] Read more.
Frequent soil drying and wetting cycles significantly affect the mineralization processes of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN), impacting soil quality and contributing to nutrient loss. However, the effects of these dry–wet cycles on SOC and STN mineralization in dam soil are not well understood. This study simulated four consecutive wet–dry cycles under five soil moisture gradients of 0% (CK), 5%, 10%, 15%, and 100%, and 100%, across four cycles of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, to investigate the effects on soil aggregates, enzyme activities, and the mineralization of SOC and STN. The results indicated that soil enzyme activity peaked after two dry–wet cycles and then began to decline. The dry–wet cycles reduced the proportion of soil macro-aggregates while also decreasing the proportions of small and micro-aggregates. In contrast, the 100% treatment conditions exhibited the opposite effect. Dry–wet cycles enhanced the mineralization rates of SOC and STN, with the average mineralization rates under the 10% soil moisture content being the highest—1.78 and 2.38 times greater than the CK treatment for SOC and STN, respectively. The impact of dry–wet cycles on SOC and STN mineralization through the enzyme pathway was greater than through the aggregate pathway. These research findings provide theoretical insights and scientific references for the efficient operation and ecological protection of sedimentation dams in the Loess Plateau. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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13 pages, 3956 KiB  
Article
Soil and Water Conservation Vegetation Restoration in Alpine Areas—Taking a Hydropower Station as an Example
by Yongxiang Cao, Sen Hou, Naichang Zhang, Zhen Bian and Haixing Wang
Water 2024, 16(22), 3270; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223270 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 432
Abstract
High-elevation and cold regions have harsh natural conditions with low temperatures and intense ultraviolet radiation, which impede plant growth and maintenance. Therefore, soil and water conservation vegetation restoration models are of great significance. In this study, a site condition analysis was performed based [...] Read more.
High-elevation and cold regions have harsh natural conditions with low temperatures and intense ultraviolet radiation, which impede plant growth and maintenance. Therefore, soil and water conservation vegetation restoration models are of great significance. In this study, a site condition analysis was performed based on three main limiting factors, including climatic and meteorological, soil, and topographic and geomorphological factors, providing a basis for vegetation restoration. The study area was divided into different site types. After investigating the situation of nurseries distributed in places such as Tibet, Qinghai, and Sichuan, trees, shrubs, and grasses with ecological characteristics similar to those of the local vegetation, including strong stress resistance, good soil and water conservation benefits, and well-established artificial cultivation practices, were selected as alternative vegetation for late-stage planting of indigenous tree species. Combining the results of site condition analysis and site type classification, the configuration of trees, shrubs, and grasses for different off-site condition types and the corresponding greening methods are discussed, providing a scientific reference for ecological restoration in high-elevation and low-temperature regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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16 pages, 4416 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Evaluation of Soil Erosion in Loess Hilly Area of Western Henan Based on Sampling Approach
by Zhijia Gu, Keke Ji, Qiang Yi, Shaomin Cao, Panying Li and Detai Feng
Water 2024, 16(20), 2895; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16202895 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 523
Abstract
The terrain in the loess hilly area of western Henan is fragmented, with steep slopes and weak soil erosion resistance. The substantial soil erosion in this region results in plenty of problems, including decreased soil productivity and ecological degradation. These problems significantly hinder [...] Read more.
The terrain in the loess hilly area of western Henan is fragmented, with steep slopes and weak soil erosion resistance. The substantial soil erosion in this region results in plenty of problems, including decreased soil productivity and ecological degradation. These problems significantly hinder the social and economic development in the region. Soil conservation planning and ecological development require accurate soil erosion surveys. However, the studies of spatio-temporal patterns, evolution, and the driving force of soil erosion in this region are insufficient. Therefore, based on a multi-stage, unequal probability, systematic area sampling method and field investigation, the soil erosion of the loess hilly area of western Henan was quantitatively evaluated by the Chinese Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) in 2022. The impact forces of soil erosion were analyzed by means of a geographic detector and multiple linear regression analysis, and the key driving factors of the spatio-temporal evolution of soil erosion in this region were revealed. The results were as follows. (1) The average soil erosion rate of the loess hilly area in western Henan in 2022 was 5.94 t⋅ha−1⋅a−1, with a percentage of soil erosion area of 29.10%. (2) High soil erosion rates mainly appeared in the west of Shangjie, Xingyang, and Jiyuan, which are related to the development of production and construction projects in these areas. The areas with a high percentage of soil erosion area were in the north (Xinan and Yima), west (Lushi), and southeast (Songxian and Ruyang) of the study area. Moreover, areas with the most erosion were found in forest land, cultivated land, and areas with a slope above 25°. (3) At the landscape level, the number and density of patches of all land types, except orchard land, increased significantly, and the boundary perimeter, landscape pattern segmentation, and degree of fragmentation increased. (4) The geographical detector and multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the driving forces of soil erosion are mainly topographic and climatic (slope length, elevation, precipitation, and temperature). Soil erosion was significantly influenced by the density of landscape patches. These maps and factors influencing soil erosion can serve as valuable sources of information for regional soil conservation plans and ecological environment improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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17 pages, 3376 KiB  
Article
Estimation of the Potential for Soil and Water Conservation Measures in a Typical Basin of the Loess Plateau, China
by Beilei Liu, Peng Li, Zhanbin Li, Jianye Ma, Zeyu Zhang and Bo Wang
Water 2024, 16(19), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192868 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 715
Abstract
Abstract: In the context of the large-scale management of the Loess Plateau and efforts to reduce water and sediment in the Yellow River, this study focuses on a typical watershed within the Loess Plateau. The potential for vegetation restoration in the Kuye River [...] Read more.
Abstract: In the context of the large-scale management of the Loess Plateau and efforts to reduce water and sediment in the Yellow River, this study focuses on a typical watershed within the Loess Plateau. The potential for vegetation restoration in the Kuye River Basin is estimated based on the assumption that vegetation cover should be relatively uniform under similar habitat conditions. The potential for terrace restoration is assessed through an analysis of topographic features and soil layer thickness, while the potential for silt dam construction is evaluated by considering various hydrological and geomorphological factors. Based on these assessments, the overall potential for soil erosion control in the watershed is synthesized, providing a comprehensive understanding of target areas for ecological restoration within the Kuye River Basin. The study demonstrates that the areas with the greatest potential for vegetation restoration in the Kuye River Basin are concentrated in the upper and middle reaches of the basin, which are in closer proximity to the river. The total potential for terracing is 1013.85 km2, which is primarily distributed across the river terraces, farmlands, and gentle slopes on both sides of the riverbanks. Additionally, the potential for the construction of check dams is 14,390 units. The target areas for terracing measures in the Kuye River Basin are primarily situated in the middle and lower reaches of the basin, which are in closer proximity to the river. Conversely, the target areas for forest, grass, and check dams, as well as other small watershed integrated management measures, are predominantly located in the hill and gully areas on the eastern and southern sides of the basin. The implementation of the gradual ecological construction of the watershed, based on the aforementioned objectives, will facilitate the protection, improvement, and rational utilization of soil, water, and other natural resources within the watershed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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12 pages, 3431 KiB  
Article
The Formation Mechanism of Soil Interflow in Loess Hill Gully
by Na Lei, Jichang Han, Yang Zhang, Zenghui Sun, Yanan Li and Liheng Xia
Water 2024, 16(17), 2371; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172371 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 481
Abstract
To address the problems of salinization of the soil in gully control and land-making projects, the formation mechanism of soil interflow from a gully valley on the Loess Plateau was investigated, regarding its interface, water source, and spatial-temporal distribution characteristics, through field location [...] Read more.
To address the problems of salinization of the soil in gully control and land-making projects, the formation mechanism of soil interflow from a gully valley on the Loess Plateau was investigated, regarding its interface, water source, and spatial-temporal distribution characteristics, through field location monitoring and isotope tracer technique. The results showed the following: (1) there are two types of soil interflow in the Loess Plateau, namely soil interflow in slope and in gully, with interflow in gully being the main form; (2) adequate water supply, layered soil structure, and geographic disparity are conditions for the formation of soil interflow in the gully; (3) soil water is recharged by precipitation, surface water, and groundwater. Surface water is an important source of soil water recharge at the 0–100 cm depth, whereas groundwater is an important source of soil water recharge at the 100–200 cm depth. The results provide a basis for the regulation of the soil interflow, resource utilization, and land quality improvement in the Loess Plateau. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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18 pages, 7378 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Soil Wind Erosion and Population Exposure Risk in Central Asia’s Terminal Lake Basins
by Wei Yu, Xiaofei Ma, Wei Yan and Yonghui Wang
Water 2024, 16(13), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16131911 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1272
Abstract
In the face of climate change and human activities, Central Asia’s (CA) terminal lake basins (TLBs) are shrinking, leading to deteriorating natural environments and serious soil wind erosion (SWE), which threatens regional socio-economic development, human health, and safety. Limited research on SWE and [...] Read more.
In the face of climate change and human activities, Central Asia’s (CA) terminal lake basins (TLBs) are shrinking, leading to deteriorating natural environments and serious soil wind erosion (SWE), which threatens regional socio-economic development, human health, and safety. Limited research on SWE and population exposure risk (PER) in these areas prompted this study, which applied the RWEQ and a PER model to assess the spatiotemporal changes in SWE and PER in TLBs in CA, including the Ili River Basin (IRB), Tarim River Basin (TRB), Syr Darya River Basin (SRB), and Amu Darya River Basin (ARB), from 2000 to 2020. We analyzed the driving factors of SWE and used the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model to simulate dust event trajectories. The findings from 2000 to 2020 show a spatial reduction trend in SWE and PER, with primary SWE areas in the Taklamakan Desert, Aral Sea Basin, and Lake Balkhash. Significant PER was observed along the Tarim River, near Lake Balkhash, and in the middle and lower reaches of the ARB and SRB. Over the past 21 years, temporal trends in SWE have occurred across basins, decreasing in the IRB, but increasing in the TRB, SRB, and ARB. Dust movement trajectories indicate that dust from the lower reaches of the SRB and ARB could affect Europe, while dust from the TRB could impact northern China and Japan. Correlations between SWE, NDVI, temperature, and precipitation revealed a negative correlation between precipitation and NDVI, suggesting an inhibitory impact of precipitation and vegetation cover on SWE. SWE also varied significantly under different LUCCs, with increases in cropland, forestland, and desert land, and decreases in grassland and wetland. These insights are vital for understanding SWE and PER in TLBs and offer theoretical support for emergency mitigation in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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