Size Characteristics of Sediments Eroded under Different Masson Pine Litter Covers in South China

Abstract

The particle size distribution characteristics of runoff sediments are vital for understanding the effect of the mechanism of soil erosion on slopes. The objective of this study was to investigate the particle-size distribution of sediments eroded from slopes covered by different litter coverage masses under artificial rainfall simulation. Litter was spread on the surface of a soil tank according to different biomasses (0 g·m−2, 100 g·m−2, 200 g·m−2 and 400 g·m−2). The mean weight diameter (MWD), fractal dimension (D) and enrichment ratio (ER) are characteristic parameters of sediment particle size. The MWD and D were more sensitive to soil erosion and had a significant negative correlation with the slope angle and rainfall intensity. The performance of the MWD on the slope (5°) was less than the MWD on the slope (10°). The relationship between eroded sediment distribution characteristic parameters and the litter coverage mass had a significant influence on the content of coarse particles. The content of fine particles accelerated, decreased and then stabilized, whereas coarse particles increased first and then stabilized. The litter diameter and surface area were the main parameters that affected the MWD and D. Under different rain intensities and slopes, the ER varied inconsistently with litter coverage mass. Coarse particles were eroded easily and selectively, and soil erosion had no sorting effect on fine particles. These findings support the quantitative study of the relationship between the amount of litter coverage mass and the particle size of soil sediments.