Appropriate density of water and soil conservation of and forests in loess area, North China

Abstract

In this paper, based on a long-term monitoring of water cycle in the water and soil conservation forest stands of Pinus tabulaeformis and Robinia pseudoacacia, the soil moisture deficit is calculated. Following the principles of runoff-collecting forestry and applying the forest structure investigation results, the authors developed a formula to calculate appropriate density for forests on the basis of different diameters at breast height (DBH). Using this method to manage forests, the natural water requirement of forests can be met and soil drought can be avoided. In addition, with long-term monitoring of soil moisture in stands, the authors also give an appropriate managing density specifically for the water and soil conservation forests of P. tabulaeformis and R. pseudoacacia in the loess area which is according to soil moisture content, or with the lowest soil moisture content and invalid moisture frequency as the indexes.

Keywords

appropriate density, water and soil conservation forests, soil moisture, loess area