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Assessment of hydrological response to soil and water conservation measures in the Loess Plateau based on a novel modeling framework

Author

Listed:
  • Wu, Xixi
  • Zhao, Xuehua
  • Gao, Xuerui
  • Zhu, Bowen
  • Zhu, Xueping
  • Zhao, Xining
  • Chen, Pan
  • Guo, Xiaoqi
  • IRIBAGIZA, Marie Rose

Abstract

Soil and water conservation (SWC) measures play a critical role in controlling soil erosion and protecting water resources on the Loess Plateau (LP). However, their impacts on hydrological processes remain insufficiently understood. This study develops a novel hydrological modeling framework that integrates both infiltration-excess and shallow saturation-excess runoff mechanisms. We applied the model to two pilot areas on the LP and systematically evaluated the hydrological response under various SWC measures based on qualified simulated rainfall-runoff events. The results showed that the berm measure had a high Manning roughness coefficient of 0.12, the artificial grassland measure showed a high stable infiltration rate of 0.79 mm/min, and the terracing measure demonstrated the highest initial infiltration rate of 2.23 mm/min. Compared to other measures, the berm measure was most effective in reducing surface runoff, with its runoff component was mainly in the form of interflow, accounting for 94.2 %. Additionally, terracing and artificial grassland measures showed relatively small percentages of shallow saturation-excess runoff, accounting for 0.7 % and 0.4 %, respectively. This study highlights that, when balancing hydrological benefits with socio-economic feasibility, the berm measure on steep slopes has greater potential for reducing runoff, while terracing and artificial grassland measures on gentle slopes offer a more ecologically sustainable watershed management approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Xixi & Zhao, Xuehua & Gao, Xuerui & Zhu, Bowen & Zhu, Xueping & Zhao, Xining & Chen, Pan & Guo, Xiaoqi & IRIBAGIZA, Marie Rose, 2025. "Assessment of hydrological response to soil and water conservation measures in the Loess Plateau based on a novel modeling framework," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 316(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:316:y:2025:i:c:s0378377425002914
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109577
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Xiaoming Feng & Bojie Fu & Shilong Piao & Shuai Wang & Philippe Ciais & Zhenzhong Zeng & Yihe Lü & Yuan Zeng & Yue Li & Xiaohui Jiang & Bingfang Wu, 2016. "Revegetation in China’s Loess Plateau is approaching sustainable water resource limits," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 6(11), pages 1019-1022, November.
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