Vegetation and Soil Erosion

I found a peer-reviewed article about a study completed in Spain on vegetation cover and soil erosion. Three plots were planted on a hillside with an approximate slope of 35.5%. Each plot contained a different vegetation type, which included natural vegetation, rosemary, and wheat. The area of study tends to have large amounts of runoff and soil erosion, and the study was completed to verify the assumption that farming was increasing this problem. Over a four year period precipitation was recorded for this area and collectors were used to identify sediment and runoff. Soil losses and runoff were collected after each rainfall event. It was found that the Rosemary and natural vegetation reduced erosion by 99% and 98% respectively when compared to the wheat. It was found this reduction was due to the thick canopies of the Rosemary and natural vegetation intercepting much of the rainfall and reducing splash. Splash causes compaction of the soil which causes sealing and crusting. Less splash allows for infiltration of rainfall into the soil, reducing soil loss. Thick leaves from the Rosemary accumulated below the plant also reducing soil erosion. The wheat had scattered canopies and accumulation below the plant was easily removed by wind. So it was concluded that agriculture was increasing soil erosion and runoff.

So to reduce erosion, land use practices could be put into place on steeper slopes, different types of crops could be planted or other farming techniques could be used. What are your thoughts?

See article below.