Study on runoff and sediment yield characteristics under different land uses in red soil area of Southern China

Effects of different land uses /covers on soil and water loss processes under different rainfall types had great significance to guide vegetation construction and soil and water loss control. Responses of soil and water loss characteristics to rainfall types were studied using rainfall simulation under 8 land use types in red soil area of southern China. The results showed that there were obvious differences in soil and water losses between different land uses. Responses of soil and water losses to rainfall amount and rainfall intensity were quite different and depended on land uses. The order of controlling runoff was orchard>arid flat field>camellia forest>spoil ground>water and soil conversation forest>slope land>paddy field>bare soil. The order of controlling sediment was orchard> camellia forest>arid flat field> paddy field>bare soil> water and soil conversation forest>slope land>spoil ground. Therefore, orchard with soil and water conservation measures had the best benefit of soil and water conversation. Runoff amount of bare soil and sediment amounts of slope land and spoil ground were the biggest among eight land uses. No direct relationship was found between runoff and sediment. This study provides basic data and scientific foundation for soil and water conservation planning and comprehensive management of small watershed in red soil region of Southern China.