SPECIAL ISSUE “ Roles of revegetation for preventing Sediment Disaster ”
Surface soil movement of the floor of a Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl.) plantation covered with dwarf bamboo (Sasa nipponica Makino et Shibata)

Abstract

We measured surface soil (fine soil, gravel, and litter) movement in a Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl.) plantation covered with dwarf bamboo (Sasa nipponica Makino et Shibata; hereafter, sasa) in central Gifu Prefecture. We also examined the differences in surface soil erosion among undergrowth types. The annual surface soil movement at our site was 79.4 g m^-1 year^-1; this was equal to that of another undergrowth type that has a strong deterrent effect on soil erosion. The aboveground biomass and vegetation cover of the sasa were much greater than those of other undergrowth types. Vegetation cover was higher in July and lower in January. Fine soil movement tended to increase from December to April, and litter movement tended to increase from December to May. Changes in vegetation cover influenced seasonal changes in surface soil movement. The sasa likely had a deterrent effect on soil erosion because of its high percentage vegetation cover, dense growth of culms, and large aboveground biomass.