Optimization of plant coverage in relation to water balance in the Loess Plateau of China

摘要: Abstract A series of revegetation practices have been implemented to improve the environmental quality and reduce water soil losses in wind erosion transitional belt China's Loess Plateau. An incompatibility exists between limited availability extensive plant coverage needed protect from accelerated erosion. The objective this study was investigate relationship determine optimal for two dominant shrubs ( Caragana korshinkii Kom Salix psammophila ) area. Experiments were performed with four treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3) each shrub during growing seasons 2008, 2009 2010. Soil content measured a neutron probe. Simultaneous Heat Water Transfer (SHAW) model used simulate variations critical climatic year, i.e. one-in-ten dry year. parameters SHAW calibrated using 0–200 cm layer T2 species. verified measurements T0, T3 coverages. results indicated that storage decreased increasing coverage. desiccation occurred at various depths different degree greater when more extensive. model, parameters, accurately simulated profile under During verification phase, root mean square error (RMSE) contents ranged 0.022 0.033 cm 3  cm − 3 relative (RRMSE) 14.4% 24.6%. Based on observed modeled interactions depletion growth, corresponds maximum LAI 1.27 C. 0.70 S. .