Rainfall interception and redistribution of varying leaf litter types and rainfall intensities on slopes
摘要
Leaf litter significantly contributes to the forest hydrological cycle and the conservation of soil and water by affecting soil moisture balance and erosion through the rainfall interception. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of rainfall interception and distribution associated with various leaf litter morphologies, specifically Pinus massoniana, Cinnamomum camphora, and Magnolia grandiflora, on slopes ranging from 0° to 35° under rainfall intensities of 30 and 50 mm h⁻1. The experiments were performed under simulated rainfall conditions with a litter biomass of 1.00 kg m−2. The findings indicated that the capacity for precipitation interception varied according to slope gradients, rainfall intensities, and type of leaf litter. Notably, at a rainfall intensity of 30 mm h−1 on a flat slope, Pinus massoniana exhibited the highest interception capacity, followed by Cinnamomum camphora and Magnolia grandiflora. Conversely, on a 35° slope gradient, the order was Cinnamomum camphora > Pinus massoniana > Magnolia grandiflora. The study also revealed that both maximum and minimum interception capacities were higher at a rainfall intensity of 50 mm h−1 compared to 30 mm h−1. Additionally, Cinnamomum camphora was particularly effective at generating slope flow on steep slopes, with slope flow increasing significantly between 25° to 35°. This research contributes to our knowledge of water transmission and conservation mechanisms in leaf litters, enhancing our understanding of water conservation processes in natural environments.