Soil conservation measures slash river sediment, boost water supply in drought-prone region
The study looked at how soil and water conservation measures affect runoff and sediment in the Wei River Basin. They analyzed data from rainfall, runoff, and sediment to see the impact of these measures. Results showed that sediment in the river increased from 1930s-1970s, but decreased after 1970s due to conservation efforts. Before 1970s, runoff and sediment were mainly influenced by climate, but after 1970s, conservation measures changed the relationship. Now, when runoff is high, sediment is low, and vice versa. This shows that soil and water conservation helps reduce sediment in the river, benefiting the environment.