Effects of Vegetation Stems on Hydraulics of Overland Flow Under Varying Water Discharges

Vegetation plays an important role in soil erosion control, but few studies have been performed to quantify the effects of vegetation stems on hydraulics of overland flow. Laboratory flume experiments were conducted to investigate the potential effects of vegetation stems on Reynolds number, Froude number, flow velocity and hydraulic resistance of silt‐laden overland flow. Cylinders with diameter D of 2·0, 3·2 and 4·0 × 10⁻² m were glued onto the flume bed to simulate the vegetation stems, and a bare slope was used as control. The flow discharge varied from 0·5 to 1·5 × 10⁻³ m³ s⁻¹ and slope gradient was 9°. Results showed that Reynolds number on vegetated slope was significantly higher than that on bare slope because of the effect of vegetation stems on effective flow width. All the flows were supercritical flow, but Froude number decreased as D increased, implying a decrease in runoff ability to carry sediment. The mean flow velocity also decreased with D, while the velocity profile became steeper, and no significant differences were found in surface flow velocities among longitudinal sections on all slopes. Darcy–Weisbach friction coefficient increased with D, implying that the energy consumption of overland flow on hydraulic resistance increased. Reynolds number was not a unique predictor of hydraulic roughness on vegetated slopes. The total resistance on vegetated slopes was partitioned into grain resistance and vegetation resistance, and vegetation resistance accounted for almost 80% of the total resistance and was the dominant roughness element. Further studies are needed to extend and apply the insights obtained under controlled conditions to actual overland flow conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

EFFECT OF SANDY SEDIMENTS PRODUCED BY THE MECHANICAL CONTROL OF SAND DEPOSITION ON THE THERMAL REGIME OF UNDERLYING PERMAFROST ALONG THE QINGHAI‐TIBET RAILWAY

To date, the mechanical control of drifting sand is the main method used for the protection of the Qinghai‐Tibet Railway from damage. The thermal effect of sandy sediments which are held in place on the underlying permafrost is a key area of interest and the focus of this paper. A ground temperature investigation of the permafrost along the railway route was undertaken and results were related to the different mechanical control measures used to control moving sand which had resulted in varying sandy sediment thicknesses. The studies were conducted in the Hongliang River area of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau from June 2010 to September 2010 using thermistor sensors. The results showed that the permafrost ground temperature and its daily variation, as well as the thawing depth of the active layer, decreased after the setting‐up of sand movement controls which had resulted in the accumulation of thick sandy sediments within the outside fringe of sand‐control engineering, or a covering of thin sandy sediments within the inside trackside (fringe) of sand‐control engineering. Below the thick sandy sediment cover accumulated by sand‐blocking fences, the average maximum temperature decreased. Average temperature decreased and the average depth of seasonal thawing (average thinning) were 3·38°C, 0·54°C and 0·48 m, respectively. Below the thin sand sediment cover accumulated by the checkerboard sand barriers, the values for the same parameters were 1·02°C, 0·21°C and 0·5 m, respectively. This study found that the mechanical control of sand does not only protect the railway from obstruction, but also facilitates permafrost stability, which in turn can help promote safety in railway operations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

横、顺坡垄作对黑土坡面侵蚀-沉积周期规律的影响

我国东北黑土区的水土流失和土地退化正严重制约着东北地区农业经济发展,威胁国家粮食生产安全。掌握不同垄作方向耕作措施下的东北黑土区土壤侵蚀规律,对合理布设水保措施、控制水土流失等具有重要意义。采用¹³⁷Cs示踪技术并结合小波分析方法,对不同垄作方向坡耕地土壤侵蚀-沉积速率的空间变化规律开展研究。结果表明：(1)横、顺坡垄作坡面¹³⁷Cs平均浓度分别为1 802 Bq·m^-2和1 770 Bq·m^-2,均小于当地背景值2 417 Bq·m^-2,说明在两种垄作方向下均发生了不同程度的土壤侵蚀。(2)横坡垄作的坡面平均侵蚀速率(1 341 t·km^-2·a^-1)小于顺坡垄作(1 477 t·km^-2·a^-1),表明在长期平均条件下前者的水土保持作用优于后者。尽管研究区土壤侵蚀属于轻度侵蚀,但其侵蚀速率远大于黑土区的土壤容许流失量(200 t·km^-2·a^-1     

Residual nitrogen effects on wheat following legumes in the southern plains

Increasing nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices give rise to the question of N benefits from legumes in cropping systems in the Southern Great Plains. This study quantified wheat (Triticum aestivium L.) hay production and N uptake over seven years following six years of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.), or grass (Old World bluestem, Bothriochloa ischaemum L.) production in western Oklahoma. Precipitation over the seven years averaged 550 mm·yr^‐1. The major residual N effects were measured within the first five years. On a fine sandy loam soil, wheat hay yields averaged 3,070 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1 over five years following alfalfa, 2,580 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1 following milkvetch, and 950 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1 following grass with N uptake attributed to the residual effect from legumes (calculated by the difference method) averaged 34 kg N ha^‐1·yr^‐1 from alfalfa and 25 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1 from milkvetch. On a deep loamy sand soil, wheat hay yields averaged 1,290 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1 over five years following alfalfa and 710 kg·ha^‐1·yr^‐1 following grass with N uptake attributed to the residual effect from alfalfa averaged 8 kg N ha^‐1·yr^‐1. Thus, the residual N effect attributed to legumes was substantial on the fine sandy loam soil and relatively small on the deep loamy sand soil.     

Effects of vertical hedge interval of vetiver grass on erosion on steep agricultural lands

Vetiver grass is widely used to reduce soil erosion and has been applied in many areas of the world. However, studies of the effect of vertical hedge intervals on runoff, soil loss and outflow sediment size distribution under a steep slope area are rare. The vetiver grass system (VGS) with three vertical hedge intervals (0·75, 1·5 and 3 m) and no hedgerow were tested at three land slopes (30, 40 and 50 per cent) under three simulated rainfall intensities (60, 85 and 110 mm h⁻¹). It has been observed that vetiver grass (Vetiveria nemoralis) has great potential for reducing runoff and soil loss by about 38·7–68·6 and 56·2–87·9 per cent, respectively. The vetiver strips delayed incipient runoff and reduced peak runoff rate and steady erosion rate. The land slope affected soil loss but did not have a significant effect on runoff. A narrow vetiver hedge interval slightly reduced runoff and soil loss more than a wider one. The soil loss equation obtained in this study revealed that runoff has a higher effect on soil loss. The median sediment size that passed through the vetiver strip increased with rainfall intensity and was mostly dominated by very fine sand, silt and clay. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental determination of sediment transport capacity of rill flow over sandified loess slope

Rill erosion is affected by the sand particle content in soil, especially in the wind and water erosion transition region of the Loess Plateau. The sediment transport capacity (STC) is a key parameter in rill erosion research, assessing the impact of aeolian sand intrusion on the STC of rill flow is of importance for a better understanding of rill erosion. This study aimed to assess the effect of aeolian sand intrusion on the STC on sandified loess slopes, with typical slopes and flow discharges, using a flume system which consisting of a sediment-feeding and a sediment-supply/settlement flume. The sediment feeding flume was jointed by 10° higher than that of the sediment measurement flume section. Three flow discharges (2, 4, and 8 L min⁻¹) and four slope gradients (5°, 10°, 15°, and 25°) were used to represent the natural hydrological conditions under three intrusion rates (SIR) of aeolian sands (10%, 20%, and 50%). The results show that STC increased with slope gradient and flow discharge, and the relationship between the STC and the SIR was significantly affected by the slope gradient; the STCs decreased with the SIR on a slope of 5° but increased with the SIR on steep slopes of 15°–25°, implying a significant impact of slope gradient on the relationship between SIR and STC. The SIR of 50% resulted in the highest sediment concentration nearly 1200 kg m⁻³ on slopes of 25°. On sandified loess slopes of 10%, 20%, and 50% SIR, the STC were about 30%, 46%, and 57% higher than on loess slopes, indicating an increased erosion rate by sand particle intrusion into loess soil. These results highlight the impact of sand intrusion on STC of rill flow and provide deeper insights into the soil loss process on the sandified loess slope.     

Changes in hydrology,sediment loss and microtopography of a vegetated mine waste rock dump impacted by fire

Dry season burning to control wildfire is conducted in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. The ERA Ranger Mine is adjacent to the park, and it is likely that at some stage the post-mining landform will be affected by fire. Rainfall simulations were conducted on a vegetated site on the mine waste rock dump. The site was then burnt and the rainfall simulation series repeated. Initially, there was little difference between sediment loss and runoff from the vegetated condition and sediment loss and runoff from the burnt condition. As simulations continued, total sediment loss from the burnt condition increased as a result of increasing runoff compared to the vegetated condition. Burning of vegetation affected the surface hydrology of the site, resulting in increased erosion under saturating rainfall similar to rainfall expected at the commencement of a wet season. Litter dams formed during runoff from the burnt condition providing areas of localized deposition. The distribution of the dams was non-random. If fire is used as a management tool to control wildfire, placement of artificial microdams on steep slopes may provide areas of sediment deposition and seedbank storage to reduce the effects of elevated runoff and sediment loss and facilitate vegetation regeneration. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN REVEGETATED MINED DUNES

This study aimed to thoroughly investigate communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in six coastal, mined, reconstituted and revegetated dune areas in Northeast Brazil. AMF spore density and species richness as well as the numbers of infective AMF propagules and glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) were analyzed. Four areas had been restored for 16, 12, 8 and 4 years, and after being mined, reconstituted and re‐vegetated, the fifth was mined and reconstituted but not yet re‐vegetated, and the sixth had a native and undisturbed coastal forest vegetation. The soil samples were sampled in the dry and wet seasons of 2005. The number of infective propagules was significantly higher in the dry than in wet season, except in the un‐vegetated dune area, which had less than 0·2 propagules cm⁻³ soil. AMF spore density and especially GRSP contents changed little between the seasons. GRSP contents were positively correlated to Al and Fe soil levels and were highest in the restinga forest. In total, 29 AMF species were identified, and glomoid and gigasporoid species predominated in all areas. AMF species richness and viable propagules of AMF were lowest in the un‐vegetated dune area. Remarkably, higher species richness (28) was found in the re‐vegetated areas, compared with the forest area that had only 10 species. The numbers of infective propagules tended to be also lower in the forest than in the re‐vegetated sites. In conclusion, re‐vegetation appears to favour the AMF communities in terms of infective propagule numbers and AMF species richness. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

生态棒间隔距离对铁尾矿坡面减流减沙效应的影响

中国铁尾矿库的排放量大而综合利用率低,遗留下的铁尾矿库形成大面积裸露库面和边坡,易引发水土流失、边坡滑塌等危害。为明确边坡生态修复中生态棒拦挡措施的水土流失防治机理,该研究以张宣铁矿区尾矿库边坡为对象,采用人工模拟降雨,研究不同间隔生态棒拦挡措施的减流减沙效应。结果表明：坡度25°、30°,30~90 mm/h雨强下,1）不同间隔生态棒拦挡措施下初始产流时间较裸坡分别增加0.44%~57.76%、1.08%~39.14%,且随生态棒间隔、坡度、雨强的增大而减少;减流效应分别为8.92%~80.68%、12.67%~76.45%,随雨强增大而减小,30mm/h雨强下随生态棒间隔缩短呈增强趋势,60、90 mm/h雨强下无明显规律变化;径流流速削减效应分别为20.78%~55.12%、20.16%~41.44%,随生态棒间隔缩短呈增强趋势,随坡度增大而降低,同时0.67 m间隔削减坡面流速效应最佳;2）减沙效应分别为-127.47%~71.57%、-287.19%~62.01%,减沙效应弱于减流效应;3）30 mm/h雨强下累积径流量、侵蚀量随生态棒间隔的缩短而减少,60、90 mm/h雨强下规律不明显;且90 mm/h雨强下,坡度30°的累积侵蚀量显著大于坡度25°;4）对产流产沙指标进行Pearson相关分析,表明生态棒拦挡措施在坡面减流、削减流速方面发挥关键作用,雨强对产流产沙的影响处于主导地位,坡度处于辅助地位;5）建议坡度25°、30°,雨强30、90 mm/h时选择0.40 m生态棒间隔,雨强60 mm/h时选择1.00 m生态棒间隔。研究结果可为铁尾矿边坡生态修复中生态棒拦挡措施的科学应用提供参考依据。     

Fingerprinting Sediment Sources After an Extreme Rainstorm Event in a Small Catchment on the Loess Plateau,PR China

Soil erosion is a severe problem on China's Loess Plateau due to its fine‐grained soils and the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events. Accordingly, this study used a 100‐year frequency rainstorm dataset to analyse sediment deposition and sources in a 27‐km² catchment with a dam field area of 0·14 km² based on the hypothesis that sediments were intercepted by the dam (before collapse) during the rainstorm event and deposited in the dam field. This study applied composite fingerprinting, which revealed the sediment source contributions and estimated sediment deposition. Sediment deposition (626·4 kg m⁻²) decreased linearly or exponentially with increasing distance from the dam. Composite fingerprints based on the optimal parameters revealed relative sediment contributions of 44·1% ± 25·5%, 37·7% ± 35·0%, 9·0% ± 11·4% and 9·2% ± 11·5% by bare ground, croplands, grassland and forests, respectively. The 5‐year cumulative sediment deposition from normal rainfall was 2·3 × 10⁴ t less than the extreme rainstorm. Bare grounds and croplands were the dominant sediment sources following both the extreme rainstorm and normal erosive rainfall events but varied at different areas of the check‐dam. Erosion patterns and start times depended on land use type, thereby affecting sediment profiles in the dam field. Furthermore, severe erosion from bare ground that were all gully slopes and gully walls occurred throughout the rainfall, whereas grasslands and forest erosion occurred earlier and croplands later. Finally, extreme rainfall promoted mass wasting on slopes, gully slopes and gully walls, which are important in determining extreme rainstorm erosion pattern variation. This study aimed to reveal erosion pattern variation under extreme rainstorm events. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sand dune fixation: A solar‐powered Sahara seawater pipeline macroproject

The paper proposes macro‐engineering using tactical technologies that stabilize and vegetate barren near‐coast sand dune fields with seawater. Seawater that would otherwise, as commonly postulated, increase the Earth–ocean volume. Anthropogenic saturation of the ground with pumped seawater should fix widespread active sand dune fields in deserts (such as the westernmost Sahara). Seawater extraction from the ocean, and its deposition on dune sand, is made via solar‐powered pipeline. Stabilisation of one major erg in Mauritania is evaluated as a case study. The financial cost of the macroproject is estimated as a few billion US$—less than about 0·1 per cent of the USA's 2007 gross domestic product. The initial investment may be between 0·6 and 1·1 billions US$. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparison of plant available nutrients on decomposed granite cut slopes and adjacent natural soils

Decomposed granite (DG) slopes are often difficult to revegetate after existing topsoil and vegetative cover have been removed. In this study, naturally vegetated soils and denuded DG cut slopes were evaluated to compare edaphic (soil-related) conditions that may differ between the vegetated and non-vegetated states. Potential plant nutrient deficiencies were evaluated by soil nutrient extraction, plant tissue analysis and by greenhouse bioassay methods. The DG cut slopes have approximately one-quarter to one-half the clay content, soil organic matter, water-holding capacity, and total and available nitrogen (N) of the adjacent natural soils. Soil extraction tests for phosphorus (P) availability gave variable results, but a growth response to P amendment was observed in a greenhouse bioassay. The native topsoils and the DG cut slope materials had non-limiting levels of pH, exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, and total P. Cation exchange capacity and sulfate–sulfur (S) were low but similar between the two soil groups. Principle nutrient limitations are interpreted to be N, P, and possibly S and boron (B), in order of decreasing severity. Based on these results, we conclude that the removal of humified soil organic matter on the cut slopes reduces plant growth directly by lowering several of these essential nutrients, and indirectly by decreasing the soil's water-retention and infiltration capacity. Soil organic matter is viewed as a critical factor and major contrast between barren and revegetated DG materials. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

ERODED SOILS OF THE LOWER SWANSEA VALLEY

The investigation attempts to ascertain rates and amounts of soil erosion from a small unvegetated area (120m×15m). Measurements from markers embedded in the soil indicate a removal of 10 mm per annum on 5°C slopes, 32 mm per annum on 45°C slopes, and 43 mm per annum on 62°C slopes. A sediment trap indicated that in a week when there was 56·8 mm rain, approximately 60 g/sq m was eroded. Results of the work are used in an explanation of the eroded soils of a much larger area, known as the Lower Swansea Valley.     

Restoration of Plant and Animal Communities in a Sanitary Landfill: A 10‐year Case Study in Hong Kong

This study was conducted in the South East New Territories landfill in Hong Kong, with the objectives to (i) investigate the plant and animal communities' establishment and performance within 10 years after restoration and (ii) provide important information on pioneer plants species selection recommendations for restoring sanitary landfills. The studying sites were re‐vegetated in 2003, with 14 pioneer plant species, including Acacia auriculiformis, A. confusa and Schefflera heptaphylla, planted. In total, four permanent quadrats (10 m × 10 m) were used for monitoring at three restored sites (sites E, N and S) and the control site C. The soil properties and plant and animal communities inside plots were investigated annually in summer and winter between 2003 and 2014. The similarity of plant and animal communities between the restored and control sites was compared using Jaccard's index. Ten years after restoration, animal and plant communities were gradually established at all sites. No animal was introduced into the restored sites in 2003; however, there were 29, 31 and 44 animal species recorded at sites E, N and S, respectively, between 2003 and 2012. Within the studying period, 38 plant species (trees: 52·63%, shrub: 21·05%, herbs: 23·68% and climber: 2·63%) were recorded in all sites and 17 (36·84%) of them were self‐seeding. Exotic species, such as those from the family Acacia and Mimosaceae, were dominant at all restored sites, which implies that exotic species are more competitive and suitable to be used as pioneer species in sanitary landfill restoration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil degradative effects of slope length and tillage methods on alfisols in western Nigeria. III.Soil physical properties

Effects of six slope lengths, 60 m to 10 m with 10-m increments, on soil physical properties were evaluated for plough-based conventional till and no-till seedbed preparation on field runoff plots for three consecutive years from 1984 to 1987. Soil physical properties measured included texture, bulk density, infiltration capacity, and soil moisture retention characteristics. Conventional till treatment caused a rapid increase in soil bulk density and penetration resistance, and decrease in available water capacity and equilibrium infiltration rate. Gravel content increased with cultivation duration. Soil bulk density of 0–5 cm depth was 1·20 Mg m⁻³ for 1984, 1·39 Mg m⁻³ for 1985 and 1·46 Mg m⁻³ for 1986 for conventional till; and 1·13 Mg m⁻³ for 1984, 1·33 Mg m⁻³ for 1985, and 1·27 Mg m⁻³ for 1986 for the no-till treatment. The penetration resistance of the no-till treatment was relatively low and increased with cultivation duration. Mean penetration resistance for 0–5 cm depth was 2·2 kg cm⁻² in 1984, 2·71 kg cm⁻² in 1985, and 3·79 kg cm⁻² in 1986. The available water capacity decreased in both tillage methods without any consistent trends with regard to slope length. The equilibrium infiltration rate declined drastically for long slopes and conventional till methods. The data support the conclusion that these soils should be managed with short slope lengths and a no-till method of seedbed preparation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Key Role of Desert–Oasis Transitional Area in Avoiding Oasis Land Degradation from Aeolian Desertification in Dunhuang,Northwest China

The survival of oasis is partially determined by the evolution of desert–oasis transitional area (abbr. DOTA) characterized by fragile and unstable environments. This study reveals the function of DOTA in avoiding oasis land degradation from its aeolian environments based on the detailed wind data, in situ observation of wind‐blown sand and granular characteristics of surface sediments from desert to oasis. Results indicate that the DOTA has buffering function in slowing down aeolian desertification in oasis. Additionally, the annual mean wind speed reduces 40·8% from desert to DOTA area but up to 92·8% from desert to oasis. The frequency of sand‐laden wind, drift potential and sand transport all decrease following the section from desert to oasis while surface roughness increases. And the granular characteristics of surface sediments show that the weight percentage of coarse sand decreases but fine sand increases along the section from desert to oasis. This paper reveals that the aeolian environments are of great difference between desert and DOTA and the significant role of DOTA in protecting oasis. Integrated sand control system needs to be settled in the DOTA to strengthen its buffering function. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

沙层厚度和粒径组成对覆沙黄土坡面产流产沙的影响

片沙覆盖黄土区是水蚀风蚀交错带内土壤侵蚀最为强烈的区域,研究该区内土壤侵蚀特征可对水蚀风蚀交错带水土流失的预报及防治提供理论依据。采用室内模拟降雨,研究黄土坡面不同覆沙厚度(2 cm、5 cm和10 cm)和沙层粒径组成(100%0.25 mm、75%0.25 mm+25%0.25mm、50%0.25 mm+50%0.25 mm、未处理原沙和100%0.25 mm)对坡面产流产沙的影响。结果表明,覆沙黄土坡面较黄土坡面的初始产流时间明显延长,产流速率和产流量减小,产沙速率和产沙量增大,降雨过程中产流产沙波动性增大,且这些变化随覆沙厚度增加而明显加强;沙层粒径组成在不同覆沙厚度下对坡面产流产沙的影响不同,2 cm覆沙厚度坡面在降雨前期随粒径变粗产流产沙呈增大趋势,降雨后期无明显变化;5 cm覆沙厚度坡面随沙层粒径变粗产流速率呈增加趋势,降雨前期上覆粗粒径沙层坡面的侵蚀速率高于细粒径沙层坡面,降雨后期恰好相反;10 cm覆沙厚度的坡面产流产沙随沙层粒径组成变化不明显。典型覆沙黄土坡面的产流过程为雨水垂直入渗―沙土界面潜流―沙层边缘渗流―地表径流,产沙过程为沙层边缘渗流侵蚀―沙层坍塌重力侵蚀―地表径流输移,明显不同于无覆沙黄土坡面的超渗产流方式及溅蚀―片蚀―细沟侵蚀的侵蚀发展过程。     

Availability to plants of phosphate adsorbed on goethite: experiment and simulation

A model has been developed to predict the availability of sorbed phosphate to plants. It is based on uptake by a growing root system. Phosphate sorption is assumed to be reversible and the rate of desorption is assumed not to limit uptake. The model was tested against observed availability of sorbed phosphate estimated from uptake by plants growing in phosphorus-deficient conditions. The plants were grown on quartz sand coated with goethite on which phosphate was adsorbed, and which was mixed with nutrient solution. The influence of the phosphate loading of goethite and the goethite content of the sand on available phosphate was examined. Phosphate uptake was predicted well by the model for treatments with high phosphate loading and different goethite content of the sand. However, for a treatment with low phosphate loading, uptake was underestimated by the model. In this treatment the pH of the 'soil’ solution decreased from 5·5 to 4·2 during the experiment. The phosphate concentration in solution increased with a lowering of the pH in this pH range, resulting in increased phosphate uptake.     

Restoration Affect Soil Organic Carbon and Nutrients in Different Particle‐size Fractions

Desertification is reversible and can often be prevented by adopting measures to control the causal processes. Desertification has generally decreased in most of the arid and semiarid areas of China during the last few decades because of the restoration of degraded vegetation and soil nutrients. However, little is known about the responses of soil nutrients in different particle‐size fractions to the restoration process and about the importance of this response to the restoration of bulk‐soil nutrients. In this study, we separated bulk‐soil samples in different sieve fractions: coarse‐fine sand (2·0–0·1 mm), very fine sand (0·10–0·05 mm) and silt + clay (<0·05 mm) fractions. Soil organic carbon (SOC), N, P and K contents stored in the silt + clay were greater than the contents of non‐protected nutrients in the coarser fractions. During the restoration of desertified land, the content and stability of bulk‐soil SOC, total N and P and available N, P and K increased with increasing nutrient contents in all fractions. Topsoil nutrients stored in coarse‐fine sand and very fine sand fractions were more sensitive than those stored in the silt + clay fraction to the fixation of mobile sandy lands and vegetation recovery. The changes of bulk‐soil nutrients and their stability were decided by the soil nutrients associated with all particle‐size fractions. Path analysis revealed that SOC and total nutrients in very fine sand and available nutrients in coarse‐fine sand were the key factors driving the soil recovery. These results will help us understand soil recovery mechanisms and evaluate the degree of recovery. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of dune stabilisation at camber,sussex, using air photographs

Using air photographs taken in 1950, 1962, 1967 and 1971 at Camber, Sussex, the progress of sand dune stabilisation was quickly and successfully assessed. Early stabilisation work included the construction of sand traps and the planting of marram (Ammophila arenaria L.) which was subsequently destroyed by heavy pedestrian and vehicle use. The later application of hydraulically sown seeds, coupled with fencing to regulate pedestrians and trap wind blown sand, proved successful.