1.School of Water Conservancy and Transportation,Zhengzhou University,Zhengzhou 450001,China
2.Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Loss Process and Control on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Water;Resources,Yellow River Institute of Hydraulic Research,Zhengzhou 450003,China
3.College of Surveying;and Geo-Informatics,North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power,Zhengzhou 450046,China
Objective Studying the dynamic variation process of soil moisture on natural vegetation slopes in the loess hilly-gully region is important for quantitatively evaluating vegetation′s hydrological effects. Methods Bare land, shrubland, and grassland slopes in Luoyugou watershed of Tianshui City were selected as study sites. Continuous monitoring throughout the rainfall process was conducted using moisture meters based on artificial simulated rainfall. The dynamic variation characteristics of soil moisture on differently covered slopes with rainfall duration were analyzed, and the spatial distribution patterns of soil moisture at different depths and slope positions were elucidated. Results The mean soil moisture contents of bare land, shrubland, and grassland were 23.6%, 26.0% and 36.7% respectively, indicating that vegetation cover significantly enhanced soil water retention capacity. The variation coefficients of bare land, shrubland, and grassland were 31.0%, 37.0% and 18.0% respectively, demonstrating that grassland slopes exhibited the lowest spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture. Vertical changes of soil moisture in grassland and shrubland generally showed steady growth with increasing soil depth, while bare land exhibited an initial increase followed by decrease, with enhanced spatial heterogeneity in deep soil layers. Significant spatial variability in soil moisture was observed at different slope positions (p<0.05), showing drastic changes at upper slopes but relatively stable conditions at middle and lower slopes. Conclusion Vegetation-covered slopes exhibit higher mean soil moisture content than bare land during rainfall. Soil moisture variability gradually decreases with increasing soil depth across cover types, with middle and lower slope positions demonstrating greater stability in moisture dynamics compared to upper slopes. Grassland and shrubland increase soil moisture storage capacity on slopes, providing a scientific basis for optimal allocation of forestry and grassland measures in the loess hilly-gully region.
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