Grass recovery is often implemented in the loess area of China to control erosion. However, the effect mechanisms of grass cover on runoff erosion dynamics on steep loess hillslopes is still not clear. Taking the typical forage species (Coreopsis) in semiarid areas as subject, this study quantified the effects of canopies and roots on controlling slope runoff and erosion. A series of field experiments were conducted in a loess hilly region of China. Field plots (5 m length, 2 m width, 25 degrees slope gradient) constructed with three ground covers (bare soil; Coreopsis with intact grass; only ...
