Forest Land Key to Preventing Runoff and Soil Erosion Disaster
The study looked at how different types of vegetation affect runoff, erosion, and sediment yield on hillslopes. They found that forests help control water and sediment by reducing erosion, increasing infiltration, and slowing down runoff. Grasslands also help by trapping sediment with their canopy. Barren land and farmland had more fluctuating runoff and sediment levels compared to forests. The amount of sediment and runoff increased together in three stages on hillslopes. The structure of vegetation plays a big role in controlling runoff and sediment, while the roots of plants are important for soil and water conservation.