Influence of bare rocks on surrounding soil moisture in the karst rocky desertification regions under drought conditions

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

LI, S.

Research Inst. of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Fuyang, Chine

REN, H.D.

Research Inst. of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Fuyang, Chine

XUE, L.

Research Inst. of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Fuyang, Chine

CHANG, J.

Research Inst. of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Fuyang, Chine

YAO, X.H.

Research Inst. of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Fuyang, Chine

Description :
The aim of the study was to determine the influence of those exposed bare rocks on soil moisture in the surrounding area in a typical Karst Rocky Desertification (KRD) region — the Forest Station of Sandoqing, in Fu'yuan County, Yun'nan Province, Southwest China. Dynamic soil moisture was quantified in Feb, 2010 during an extreme drought period. Results showed that during the drought period, soil moisture on the north side of the rocks was significantly higher than those on the east, west and south sides. Soil surface moisture increased with the above-ground height of the rocks. During the drought period bare rocks created some shade, resulting in higher soil moisture on the north side of the rocks compared to the other three directions. The location at 15 cm north of the rocks had the highest soil water content, thus becoming the most ideal site for establishing vegetation restoration in the KRD area.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2014, vol. 116, p. 157-162, nombre de pages : 6, Références bibliographiques : 29 ref.

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais