Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China

Soil erosion has been a major environmental issue in young citrus orchards in karst areas of Southwest China. Straw mulching is an effective measure to reduce soil erosion. However, few studies have considered this measure in soil and water conservation in citrus orchards in karst areas. In this stu...

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Main Authors: Zechao Gao, Qinxue Xu, Qin Si, Shuaipu Zhang, Zhiyong Fu, Hongsong Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Water
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/14/7/1119
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author Zechao Gao
Qinxue Xu
Qin Si
Shuaipu Zhang
Zhiyong Fu
Hongsong Chen
author_facet Zechao Gao
Qinxue Xu
Qin Si
Shuaipu Zhang
Zhiyong Fu
Hongsong Chen
author_sort Zechao Gao
collection DOAJ
description Soil erosion has been a major environmental issue in young citrus orchards in karst areas of Southwest China. Straw mulching is an effective measure to reduce soil erosion. However, few studies have considered this measure in soil and water conservation in citrus orchards in karst areas. In this study, the effects of straw mulching on runoff and sediment reduction in young citrus orchards were studied using the simulated rainfall method with two typical soils—red soil and lime soil—in karst areas. This study consisted of two rainfall intensities (60 and 120 mm/h) and four straw coverages (0, 20, 50, and 80%). The results showed that straw mulching can significantly reduce surface soil loss in both lime soil and red soil. The surface runoff reduction rate of lime soil with straw mulching was much higher than that of red soil. Under the condition of heavy rainfall (120 mm/h), the surface soil loss rate was reduced by more than 57.5% in lime soil with 20% straw mulching. In red soil, a similar reduction rate of soil loss can only be achieved when straw mulching is 50%. Straw mulching reduced the surface soil loss of lime soil in young citrus orchards, mainly because of limited runoff transport, while red soil was limited by soil stripping. The results can provide a scientific basis for soil and water conservation in young citrus orchards in karst areas.
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spelling doaj.art-a5a4fd4d2f8c466f8feee358071ce6412023-12-01T00:20:25ZengMDPI AGWater2073-44412022-03-01147111910.3390/w14071119Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest ChinaZechao Gao0Qinxue Xu1Qin Si2Shuaipu Zhang3Zhiyong Fu4Hongsong Chen5Key Laboratory for Theory and Technology of Environmental Pollution Control in Guangxi, Science and Technology Innovation Base, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, ChinaGuangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, ChinaKey Laboratory for Theory and Technology of Environmental Pollution Control in Guangxi, Science and Technology Innovation Base, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, ChinaKey Laboratory for Theory and Technology of Environmental Pollution Control in Guangxi, Science and Technology Innovation Base, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, ChinaHuanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, ChinaHuanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, ChinaSoil erosion has been a major environmental issue in young citrus orchards in karst areas of Southwest China. Straw mulching is an effective measure to reduce soil erosion. However, few studies have considered this measure in soil and water conservation in citrus orchards in karst areas. In this study, the effects of straw mulching on runoff and sediment reduction in young citrus orchards were studied using the simulated rainfall method with two typical soils—red soil and lime soil—in karst areas. This study consisted of two rainfall intensities (60 and 120 mm/h) and four straw coverages (0, 20, 50, and 80%). The results showed that straw mulching can significantly reduce surface soil loss in both lime soil and red soil. The surface runoff reduction rate of lime soil with straw mulching was much higher than that of red soil. Under the condition of heavy rainfall (120 mm/h), the surface soil loss rate was reduced by more than 57.5% in lime soil with 20% straw mulching. In red soil, a similar reduction rate of soil loss can only be achieved when straw mulching is 50%. Straw mulching reduced the surface soil loss of lime soil in young citrus orchards, mainly because of limited runoff transport, while red soil was limited by soil stripping. The results can provide a scientific basis for soil and water conservation in young citrus orchards in karst areas.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/14/7/1119simulated rainfallsoil erosionorchardconservation tillagekarst area
spellingShingle Zechao Gao
Qinxue Xu
Qin Si
Shuaipu Zhang
Zhiyong Fu
Hongsong Chen
Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China
Water
simulated rainfall
soil erosion
orchard
conservation tillage
karst area
title Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China
title_full Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China
title_fullStr Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China
title_short Effects of Different Straw Mulch Rates on the Runoff and Sediment Yield of Young Citrus Orchards with Lime Soil and Red Soil under Simulated Rainfall Conditions in Southwest China
title_sort effects of different straw mulch rates on the runoff and sediment yield of young citrus orchards with lime soil and red soil under simulated rainfall conditions in southwest china
topic simulated rainfall
soil erosion
orchard
conservation tillage
karst area
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/14/7/1119
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