Integrating biophysical and socio‐economic aspects of soil conservation on the Loess Plateau,China. Part I. Design and calibration of a model

A principal challenge in erosion control is the integration of the many technical and non‐technical issues that affect the acceptance of soil conservation measures by land users. This first paper in a three‐part series considers the main criteria at farm level: biophysical efficiency; productivity and sustainability; and socio‐economic acceptability. A model is developed to integrate these various components into a decision‐making framework for soil conservation at the farm level. With the particular conditions of the Loess Plateau in China, land degradation comprises a number of key biophysical and socio‐economic variables. The model components therefore include available water storage capacity of the soil as an index of productivity, the organic matter and mineral soil balance to reflect the major changes to the soil when eroded, and cost‐benefit analysis to determine the economic wisdom of devoting household resources to land improvement. The model is calibrated using data from the Nihegou Catchment near Chunhua in the southern part of the Loess Plateau. Through simulation runs, this model enables a better understanding of erosion–productivity–time relationships. Although relatively simple, the model successfully encompasses the processes of greatest significance to agricultural development in this part of China. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Integration of biophysical and socio‐economic factors to assess soil erosion hazard in the Upper Kaligarang Watershed,Indonesia

Soil erosion is one form of land degradation, which is caused by the interacting effects of numerous factors such as biophysical characteristics and socio‐economic condition of a particular watershed. Previous erosion studies focused on the use of soil erosion models (e.g. USLE, EUROSEM, SLEMSA etc.), which have been developed under local conditions (e.g. United States, Europe, Africa, etc) and mostly use only biophysical factors as inputs to the models. In this study, a methodology that integrates both biophysical and socio‐economic aspects into a framework for soil erosion hazard assessment using principal component analysis (PCA) is described. The analysis is done at the land unit level. With the particular conditions of the study area that is characterized by Inceptisols and Alfisols soil types, nine different land uses with mixed vegetation and forest area dominant in the steep slope, high annual rainfall (>2500 mm), high population with mostly low income and low education, were considered. These were used in formulating a soil erosion hazard index (EHI) equation which relates a number of key factors consisting of biophysical and socio‐economic variables, namely soil texture, slope steepness, land cover, soil conservation practices, income and farmers' knowledge. Weighting and scoring of these key factors were used to develop the EHI equation and to calculate an index value of erosion hazard for every land unit. Results indicate that more than 60% of the area has erosion hazard ranging from moderate to very severe, and most of the land units with high erosion hazard were found at the mountain areas. It was also found that erosion hazard was severe in areas with high silt content, followed by high rainfall and steep slope, low crop cover without any soil conservation practices coupled with lack of awareness on soil erosion and low income. The key factors identified and level of erosion hazard obtained can be used to formulate conservation measures in critical areas which are prone to soil erosion. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of traditional soil burning (guie) on Planosol properties and land‐use intensification in south‐western Ethiopia

In the Gilgel Gibe catchment in Ethiopia, local farmers intensify land use on Planosols by adjusting a traditional soil burning practice known as guie. The burning practice used to be applied in a cycle of shifting cultivation. However, more recently, farmers burn small plots to make fertile seedbeds for Eucalyptus seedlings in the first year before these trees are transplanted to larger plots. The purpose of this research was to assess the physico‐chemical properties of Planosols that have been subjected to burning over the last 10 yrs and evaluate the contribution of guie to land‐use intensification of these soils. Transect studies and interviews of local farmers, followed by chemical, physical and micromorphological analyses of samples from selected plots were used to compare the soil properties of recently (0–2 yrs) and formerly (3–10 yrs) burnt Planosols with those of unburnt Planosols. The analytical results show that the burning practice improved nutrient availability in the first 2 yrs after guie. Increased amounts of exchangeable aluminium (Al) were reported in the long term. Charge fingerprints illustrate that the nutrient‐buffering capacity of the soil was high shortly after the practice but subsequently decreased with time. Given the population pressure on the formerly extensively used Planosols, it is argued that the current application of guie on small, localized plots for raising Eucalyptus seedlings is well adapted to the local socio‐economic context and promotes land‐use intensification on the Planosols. The increased exchangeable Al content of former Eucalyptus seedbeds merits further in‐depth research into the biophysical sustainability of the burning practice.     

Farmer perception of soil erosion and investment in soil conservation measures: emerging evidence from northern Taraba State,Nigeria

To combat soil erosion in the northern part of Taraba State, Nigeria, farmers are of major importance. Their perceptions vitally influence the levels of support and investment associated with solving problems of soil erosion through adoption of practices that are alternative to those in current use, including approaches focused on soil conservation. The objective of this study was to evaluate how farmer perceptions of soil erosion influence their investments in soil conservation, particularly soil or stone bunds, their applications of organic amendments and inorganic fertilizers and other soil conservation practices. In the study area, we undertook a field plot experiment and carried out a survey, using open‐ and closed‐ended questions. Water erosion and depletion of fertility were taken as the main indicators of soil erosion. The results of the experiment showed that farmers were aware of and perceived both indicators as having increased over the past decade. Farmer investments in water erosion control (3.7 US$/ha) and the prevention of soil fertility depletion (37.8 US$/ha) in the study area were found to be limited. The results also showed that awareness of water erosion was only marginally correlated with investment in water erosion control (χ² = 4.906, P = 0.09) and not associated with investments in soil fertility control measures (χ² = 0.175, P = 0.92). Those farmers who identified depletion of soil fertility as a problem, based on erosion, were not significantly more likely to make greater investments in soil conservation (χ² = 0.947, P = 0.62) but did invest more in fertility measures (χ² = 3.199, P = 0.20). Hence, further research is needed to determine other factors that may influence farmer investment in soil conservation, especially factors related to socio‐economic characteristics of farm households, institutional and technological innovations and field characteristics that were not addressed in this study.     

A systems analysis of soil and forest degradation in a mid‐hill watershed of Nepal using a bio‐economic model

Forest degradation, manifested through decline in forest cover, and the resulting soil erosion and organic carbon losses, is a serious problem caused by a complex coupling of bio‐physical, socio‐economic and technological factors in the Himalayan watersheds. Greater understanding of the linkages between these factors requires a systems approach. We have proposed such an approach using a bio‐economic model to explore the system behaviour of forest degradation, soil erosion, and soil C losses in the forest areas. The outcome of the model simulation over a 20‐year period indicates that soil erosion and C loss rates may increase more than four‐fold by the year 2020 under the existing socio‐economic and biophysical regime (the base scenario). Reductions in the population growth rate, introduction of improved agricultural technology and increase in the prices of major agricultural crops can help slow down the rates of forest decline, soil erosion and C loss or even stabilize or reverse them. The results suggest that economic incentives may be highly effective in the reduction of soil loss, as well as C release to the atmosphere. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Farmers' knowledge and perceptions of soil erosion and conservation measures in the Central Highlands,Kenya

A lack of appreciation of Kenyan farmers' knowledge and their perceptions of soil erosion and soil conservation measures was the reason for low adoption of recommended technologies. This research was carried out to identify the criteria that farmers used to distinguish farm‐types and to use these types to evaluate different knowledge levels and perceptions of soil erosion and existing soil and water conservation (SWC) measures in the Central Highlands of Kenya. Community meetings and semi‐structured household surveys were carried out in a small catchment, with 120 households. Results partly support the idea of using farmer‐developed criteria to distinguish among land managers with reference to a farm‐type classification. Criteria distinguishing three classes of land managers (good, moderate and poor) were significant with regard to the following land husbandry practices: use of hybrid or recycled seed and use of organic and/or inorganic fertilizers. Farmers were aware of on‐going soil erosion and of several erosion control measures. Whereas a majority of farmers preferred grass‐strips as a SWC measures, they did not recognize agroforestry as a form of SWC measure. Farmers perceived that SWC measures could successfully increase crop yields and soil‐water retention, and increase land value. In general, farmers did not perceive that SWC measures successfully prevented erosion phenomena, given the evidence of on‐site erosion indicators. They attributed the continued erosion to high rainfall, steep slopes, lack of maintenance and poorly designed SWC measures. They did not consider poor soil‐cover, up‐down tillage and tall trees to be the causes of erosion. Farmers faced several constraints in adopting SWC measures: lack of labour, tools, capital and know‐how to construct the measures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Consequences of forest conversion to pasture and fallow on soil microbial biomass and activity in the eastern Amazon

The main change in soil use in Amazonia is, after slash and burn deforestation followed by annual crops, the establishment of pastures. This conversion of forest to pasture induces changes in the carbon cycle, modifies soil organic matter content and quality and affects biological activity responsible for numerous biochemical and biological processes essential to ecosystem functioning. The aim of this study was to assess changes in microbial biomass and activity in fallow and pasture soils after forest clearing. The study was performed in smallholder settlements of eastern Brazilian Amazonia. Soil samples from depths of 0–2, 2–5 and 5–10 cm were gathered in native forest, fallow land 8–10 yr old and pastures with ages of 1–2, 5–7 and 10–12 yr. Once fallow began, soil microbial biomass and its activity showed little change. In contrast, conversion to pasture modified soil microbial functioning significantly. Microbial biomass and its basal respiration decreased markedly after pasture establishment and continued to decrease with pasture age. The increase in metabolic quotient in the first years of pasture indicated a disturbance in soil functioning. Our study confirms that microbial biomass is a sensitive indicator of soil disturbance caused by land‐use change.     

More people,more erosion? Land use,soil erosion and soil productivity in Murang'a district,Kenya

Intensification of land use can become a threat to agricultural sustainability if they lead to increased soil erosion. This study examines land‐use changes, soil and water conservation, soil erosion and soil productivity in the Highlands of Kenya. In addition, it examines farmers' perception of livelihood changes. Land‐use changes were determined from interpretations of aerial photographs taken in 1960 and 1996. Additional information on land use, soil and water conservation and livelihood changes were obtained from discussions and interviews with farmers, as well as from field verifications of the most recent aerial photographs. Soil samples were analysed and soil erosion assessed according to the PLUS classification scheme. The results indicate that substantial changes in land use, such as introduction of coffee and high‐yielding maize, and fragmentation of land holdings have taken place. Less land was conserved in 1996 as compared to 1960. Moreover, SWC practices have changed from fanya chini terraces and shifting cultivation to bench terraces and permanent cultivation. Rates of soil nutrients (organic C, N and K) and maize‐yield levels decreased significantly with increasing erosion. Farmers' perception of livelihood changes was differentiated according to farmers' off‐farm resource 60 per cent of the farmers depended on income from the land and thought livelihoods were better in the 1960s. It is concluded that more efforts to decrease soil erosion and investments in land and labour are necessary to sustain soil productivity and hence secure rural livelihoods. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of vegetative mulches on growth of indigenous crops in the Kingdom of Tonga

As in many areas of the developing world, intensification of agriculture in Tonga, and other Pacific Islands, has put increased pressure on the soil resource. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of mulch on the growth and yield of two important food and fibre crops. The first was conducted on sloping land to evaluate the effect of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus ) mulch and hedgerows on taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] yield, and in controlling soil erosion. The second compared the response of paper mulberry [Broussonetia papyrifera (L) Ventenot] to different management regimes of a grass fallow. Thick vegetative mulch increased taro corm yield by 81% and reduced soil loss by 50% compared to local farmer practice, and the soil loss from taro with mulch was comparable to the perennial cash hedgerow treatment. Mulch increased paper mulberry bark yield by 30% compared to the non‐mulch control. Comparative economic analysis showed that increased net profit in the mulched treatments compared to the non‐mulched control was T$2660/ha for taro and T$12 108/ha for paper mulberry. Considering that mulch is readily available to many farmers throughout the Pacific Islands and elsewhere in the tropics, it is recommended as a sustainable practice for crop production.     

Participatory soil and water conservation planning using a financial analysis tool in the West Usambara highlands of Tanzania

Despite decades of soil and water conservation (SWC) efforts in Tanzania, the adoption of the recommended SWC measures by farmers is minimal. In the past, SWC plans did not incorporate farmers' knowledge, and the economics of SWC was not given much attention at the planning stage. This research evaluated the applicability of two tools for participatory soil erosion mapping using farmers' indicators of soil erosion and financial analysis of SWC measures at the planning stage. The two tools were evaluated in Kwalei catchment in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. The participatory soil erosion‐mapping tool uses farmers' indicators of soil erosion to identify, classify and map soil erosion at the catchment level. The financial analysis tool involves farmers in a stepwise analysis of the costs and benefits of SWC measures before the implementation. The erosion‐mapping tool increased farmers' awareness on the severity of soil erosion problems, and they realised the need for SWC plans at both field and catchment scales. With the financial analysis tool farmers participated in the cost and benefits analysis and were able to select SWC options that were feasible under their socio‐economic situation. The two tools were able to demonstrate that farmers' participation in SWC planning increases the acceptance of SWC measures because they solve problems that are perceived by themselves. The financial analysis tool demonstrated how farmers could make selection of SWC measures that are feasible under their biophysical and economic condition if they are informed about the costs and benefits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New frontiers of land and water commodification: socio‐environmental controversies of large‐scale land acquisitions

A growing number of regions in the developing world are targeted by transnational investors who are acquiring large amounts of land and natural resources. Driven by the increasing global demand for agricultural products, such investments are often considered an opportunity for economic development in the target country. However, there are concerns about the social and environmental impacts on local communities. In this brief review, we discuss some key socio‐environmental controversies surrounding large‐scale land acquisitions (LSLAs). LSLAs often target common property systems and lead to privatization and commodification of land through long‐term land concessions. There is a debate between supporters of foreign land investments as a means to attract modern agricultural technology that would decrease the yield gap in underperforming agricultural land and those who question such a development model because it is seldom coupled with policy instruments that would ensure that the benefits improve food security in local populations. Large‐scale land investments displace a variety of systems of production ranging from small‐scale farming to (arguably) “unused” land such as forests and savannas on which local communities often depend. Moreover, LSLAs entail an appropriation of water resources that may negatively impact local farmers or downstream human and natural systems. In most cases, investors keep the land fallow but, when they put it under productive use, they typically change land cover and land use to start intensified commercial farming, often for nonfood crops. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamics of Agrarian Systems and Land Use Change in North Vietnam

During the period of socio‐economic transformation initiated in the late 1980s by the political reform (Doi Moi) in Vietnam, the agrarian systems evolved considerably. In the region around the capital, where the process of industrialization, urbanization, and international integration has been accelerating, a number of questions about the sustainability of those agrarian systems have been raised. By diagnosing and analysing the dynamics of the agricultural systems in Vietnam from 1980 to 2010, this study aims to provide decision‐makers with some sectorial and territorial policy options that are able to authorize the sustainable development of agriculture and rural society in the new socio‐economic context. By applying a systematic approach, including the historical and adaptive approaches, this study shows how well farmers in the Hai Duong province have adapted to socio‐economic and institutional changes, notably by transforming part of their paddy farms into other agricultural land use purposes, such as fish ponds, animal buildings, vegetable fields, and fruit orchards. These rapid changes, however, do not move in a direction that improves the sustainability of agrarian systems. The results revealed that farm holders are now facing many technical and economic contradictions, whereas issues that arise from the land no longer are only related to agricultural purposes. Competition for different functions of land use are now emerging, along with the fragmentation of plots, an imperfect land market, and rising property values ​​are all emerging. The prospect of the sustainability of agricultural systems was also analysed under different scenarios, highlighting the complexity of policy options. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Is sustainable development based on agriculture attainable in Kenya? A multidisciplinary case study of Murang'a district

Kenya's development seems trapped in a vicious circle caused by soil erosion, declining soil fertility, land fragmentation, fluctuating agricultural production, widespread poverty, corruption, ethnic tension, rapid population, urban growth and a declining economy. The development challenge is to reverse the negative effects of these processes and promote sustainable development. This paper, based on multidisciplinary work discusses whether sustainable development based on agriculture is attainable in Murang'a district in Kenya's Central Highlands. Firstly, it investigates some biophysical aspects of sustainable agriculture such as land use across time, soil nutrient status and yield, cultivated crops and soil productivity by analysing aerial photographs and soil samples and conducting interviews. It suggests that the area has gone through major biophysical changes. Second, it relates the farmers' attitude to promotion of sustainable development as carried out by the National Soil and Water Conservation Programme. It suggests that farmers carry ideas of corruption, often following ethnic lines that hampers efficient implementation of the extension advise. Finally, it identifies links behind rural‐urban migration by estimating households' probability of generating incomes outside the farm, typically in urban areas. Opportunistic farming, manifested by temporary reduction of farming on own land to satisfy immediate income needs, is very common among farmers. More needs to be done to promote agro‐based, small‐scale rural industries, improve agricultural management practices, facilitate appropriate credits, enhance marketing opportunities, ensure timely crop payments, and increase participation in decision making. It is important to realize that for farmers to embrace policies which promote agriculturely‐based sustainable development the policies ought to biophysically possible, socio‐politically acceptable and economically feasible. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

IMPACT OF LAND USE CHANGE ON EROSION RISK: AN INTEGRATED REMOTE SENSING,GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM AND MODELING METHODOLOGY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rapidly changing land use on erosion and sedimentation in a mixed land use watershed in the Ozark Highlands of the USA. The research combines a geographic information system‐based soil erosion modeling approach with land use change detection to quantify the influence of changing land use on erosion risk. Five land use/land cover maps were generated or acquired for a 20‐year period (1986 through 2006) at approximately 5‐year intervals to assess land use change and to predict a projected (2030) land use scenario for the West Fork White River watershed in Northwest Arkansas. The Unit Stream Power based Erosion/Deposition model was applied to the observed and predicted land use to assess the impact on erosion. Total erosion from urban areas was predicted to increase by a factor of six between 1986 and 2030 based on the projected 2030 land use. Results support previous reports of increased urbanization leading to increased soil erosion risk. This study highlights the interaction of changes in land use with soil erosion potential. Soil erosion risk on a landscape can be quantified by incorporating commonly available biophysical data with geographic information system and remote sensing, which could serve as a land/watershed management tool for the rapid assessment of the effects of environmental change on erosion risk. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of selected soil properties,soil management practices and socio‐economic variables on relative weed density in a hand hoe‐based conservation agriculture system

Weeds are problematic to the smallholder farmers, who practise conservation agriculture (CA) in sub‐Saharan Africa, owing to an apparent lack of appropriate weed management strategies. We investigated weed dynamics under the planting basin (PB) system (hand hoe‐based CA) to assist the design of appropriate weed management options. On‐farm experiments were conducted under semi‐arid conditions in Zimbabwe to determine the effects of 11 selected soil properties, four socio‐economic variables and two soil management practices on relative weed density. Weed counts were made according to species at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after crop emergence. Multivariate ordination techniques and a quadratic model, developed with partial least squares, showed that Richardia scabra increased with sand content in the soil. Density of R. scabra and Melinis repens also increased with topsoil potassium content. When ranked according to importance, relative weed density was most dependent on sand content followed by topsoil potassium, nitrate, clay and silt content, and training related to crop production. Soil physico‐chemical properties, therefore, had greater influence on relative weed density than socio‐economic variables and soil management practices. We concluded that variability in weed density under the PB system was not necessarily determined by tillage alone, but was also a consequence of soil properties and to a lesser extent of socio‐economic variables and soil management practices. Understanding soil properties and management practices, which determine weed variability, helps in the design of general weed management recommendations that can be used by smallholders, most of whom do not have access to field‐specific advice.     

桂西北喀斯特地区不同土地利用类型土壤抗蚀性研究

土壤抗蚀性是反映土壤抵抗侵蚀能力的重要参数之一,是土壤侵蚀研究的重要内容。本文选取土壤有机质、水稳性团聚体、团聚体结构破坏率、团聚状况、团聚度、分散率和<0.05 mm粉黏粒含量等7个指标,通过单因素方差分析及主成分分析,探讨了桂西北喀斯特地区5种不同土地利用类型土壤抗蚀性的差异。结果表明:原生林和次生林土壤有机质含量显著(P<0.05)高于撂荒地、坡耕地和人工林,撂荒地土壤有机质含量较坡耕地和人工林高,但差异不显著。原生林、次生林及撂荒地土壤>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体总量及团聚状况显著高于坡耕地及人工林,但其土壤团聚体结构破坏率及分散率显著低于坡耕地;人工林土壤团聚体结构破坏率显著高于次生林,但与原生林、撂荒地和坡耕地差异不显著;人工林土壤分散率则与坡耕地类似,显著低于原生林、次生林及撂荒地;原生林、次生林土壤团聚度与撂荒地、坡耕地差异不显著,但显著高于人工林;次生林、撂荒地及人工林<0.05 mm粉黏粒含量与原生林、坡耕地差异不显著,但坡耕地土壤<0.05 mm粉黏粒含量显著高于原生林。由主成分分析综合评分得到土壤抗蚀性强弱顺序为:原生林>次生林>撂荒地>坡耕地>人工林。因此,喀斯特地区人为干扰严重降低了土壤的抗蚀性,耕地通过撂荒方式能够提高土壤抗蚀性。     

Multi‐factorial causes of land‐use change: land‐use dynamics in the agropastoral village of Im Mial,northwestern Syria

Land‐use dynamics in drylands are complex processes. In the context of a typical agropastoral village in northwestern Syria Im Mial, the effects of demographic and social changes, reduced soil productivity, changes in agricultural technologies and historical events on land use and land productivity are examined. Decreasing yields, mainly the result of reduced fallow periods and low investments in the land, and the deterioration of the grazing resources are the two main signs of the loss of land productivity in the area. The growing population forces the villagers to practise continuous rainfed barley cultivation with no or only occasional fallow, and without any application of plant nutrients. Also, technological changes, from the use of donkey ploughs and hand harvesting to less labour‐intensive and time‐consuming cultivation practices with tractors and combine harvesters, and the increased importance of stubble in the livestock diet have contributed to the reduction of the fallow periods. The villagers attribute the yield decreases mainly to the low rainfall in the area. The high rainfall variability discourages the fallowing of fields because continuous cultivation maximizes the chances for good harvests in years with high rainfall. There is also an expansion of cultivation into the less fertile and sloping traditional grazing areas. Population growth, increased numbers of livestock and the expansion of cultivated land into grazing areas has also put pressure on the grazing resources of the village. The possession of livestock is seen as a sign of wealth and the villagers aim to have large flocks of animals. For them, livestock is also an important means for investment of cash earned from off‐farm work, which is the main source of income for most of the households in the village. There is a recent trend of increasing levels of crop‐livestock integration with less free grazing that produces higher return to the land users. This may also have a positive effect on the restoration and conservation of the degraded natural traditional grazing grounds. The stabilization and productive use of the land resources in this dry environment requires the combined and interdisciplinary effort from both the land‐users and the policy‐makers. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

特大暴雨下不同土地利用类型坡面切沟发育特征

切沟侵蚀是黄土高原丘陵沟壑区水土流失的重要形式之一，然而极端暴雨条件下不同土地利用类型坡面切沟侵蚀研究还鲜见报道。该研究以陕北2017年"7·26"特大暴雨为例，研究了岔巴沟流域3种土地利用类型（农地、休闲地和撂荒地）坡面切沟发育形态特征及体积估算模型。结果表明：1）农地、休闲地和撂荒地切沟长度分布在20 m内的占比分别为55.6%、34.8%和44.8%；农地切沟平均深度为110 cm，分别比休闲地和撂荒地高18.3%、19.2%；农地和休闲地切沟平均宽深比分别为0.87和0.84，横断面呈"宽-浅型"，而撂荒地切沟呈"方型"（宽深比1.01）。2）撂荒地切沟侵蚀体积分别比农地和休闲地减少47.8%和28.3%，表明植被恢复有效地削弱了极端暴雨作用下的切沟侵蚀。3）农地切沟不同坡段侵蚀体积由高到低为下坡、上坡、中坡，而休闲地和撂荒地切沟侵蚀体积沿坡长方向呈递增趋势；3种土地利用类型切沟在上坡段的沟岸拓宽速率大于下切速率，中下坡则相反。4）农地、休闲地和撂荒地切沟侵蚀体积均与切沟长度、横断面面积呈极显著幂函数关系（P<0.001），横断面面积是切沟体积估算更为有效的参数。研究结果可为黄土高原丘陵沟壑区不同土地利用类型坡面切沟侵蚀体积估算及其防治提供重要依据。     

Studying the effects of Mahonia aquifolium populations on small‐scale mountain agro‐ecosystems in Hungary with the view to minimise land degradation

After the political changeover in Hungary in 1989, many farm owners faced problems typical of a small sized farm (<1 ha) as well as a lack of various resources. This led to many farms with great horticultural backgrounds being abandoned, especially in mountainous areas where erosion control is essential for soil conservation. Severe changes can occur on soil through property abandonment. The local socio‐economic aspects must be taken into consideration as well as the problem of soil degradation as this will be a motivating factor in preservation initiatives. Under horticultural management, Mahonia aquifolium was tested to determine its efficiency in water erosion control in mountainous conditions in Hungary. Soil loss and water runoff were measured after every rainfall event at six different plots: four cultivated M. aquifolium populations with different ages (4, 12, 20 and 25 years old) and two control plots. A bare soil field and a grass field represented the control plots. The results show that as the age of the M. aquifolium populations increase, the cumulative runoff and sediment values decrease. It also showed that 2 years after setting up a new M. aquifolium plantation, the cumulative runoff decreased by 69 per cent and the cumulative soil loss decreased by 74 per cent. This indicates that a M. aquifolium population could play a significant role in erosion control within a short period of time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

代表性国家和地区耕地休耕补助政策及其对中国的启示

为保证耕地休耕制度的顺利实施和成效的长久保持,中国近年来不断探索制定科学合理的耕地休耕补助政策.美国、日本、欧盟、中国台湾等国家和地区已经具有多年的休耕实践经验,且都十分重视对休耕农民的补助问题.该文采用文献资料法、对比分析法及归纳总结法,在分析美国、日本、欧盟、中国台湾等代表性国家和地区休耕补助实践的基础上,对休耕补助目的、实施模式、补助形式、补助依据及资金来源等进行了梳理和归纳.针对中国休耕补助政策中可能存在的问题,提出今后应从补助目的动态化、补助效益最大化、补助类型差异化、资金来源多样化、配套措施制度化等方面完善补助政策的改进建议,并尝试构建了中国耕地休耕补助政策的初步框架.