The effects of topography and rainfall on hillside revegetation and future tasks in the Loess Plateau, inland China

Abstract

Vegetation structures between north- and south-facing slopes were studied on 38 points near Yan'an, Loess Plateau. In each point, slopes were divided into 5 vegetation types based on the analysis of landscape images. In north-facing slopes, broad-leaved trees occupied larger area than that in south-facing slopes. Bare ground was larger on the south-facing slopes, especially at arid site. The effects of slope aspect and topography were clearer at relatively moist site than relatively arid site. The slope aspect and topography were the regulated factors of forest development at semi-arid regions. It may be useful to evaluate the place that is difficult to tree-planting based on the existing revegetation technique.