Vegetation-Erosion Dynamics - River Dynamics and Integrated River Management - page 101

soil erosion was nearly 8,000 t/km 2 yr. An experimental research station was established in 1978 and
experiments of reforestation were performed in the area. In selected experimental plots, trees were planted
in the first 4 years and grasses, shrubs, liana, and bamboo grew quickly in the following years. The
vegetation develops with time and the rate of soil erosion reduces with time as shown in Fig. 2.47(a)-(d).
An experimental plot is used as a comparison, in which no trees are planted and the plot is closed for
natural development of vegetation. The variation in vegetation and erosion of the comparison plot is
shown in Fig. 2.47(e)-(f).
Fig. 2.47 Comparison of the vegetation development and the erosion reduction of reforested plots by planting
Acacia Mangium (a) and (b) and Acacia Mangium and Pine (c) and (d) with a plot, which is closed for natural
development of vegetation (e) and (f) for Huizhou, Guangdong Province, south China