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Potential of Trees, Grasses, and Turf Legumes for Restoring Eroded Soils

2003; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 34; Issue: 15-16 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1081/css-120024054

1532-2416

Rafael Ramos Santana, Gustavo Martínez, Raúl Macchiavelli, José Edwin Mojica Rodríguez, José Luis Guzmán,

Aeolian processes and effects

Abstract The performance and development potential of seven trees, two grasses and five turf legumes were evaluated in three highly eroded landscapes of Puerto Rico. Species development during the first year of establishment was adequate at the Corozal site, intermediate in Vega Baja and poor at the Orocovis location. Tree species Albicia procera and Leucaena leucocephala K 636 grew particularly well at Corozal and Vega Baja. At the Corozal site, grasses and turf legumes were significantly better for reducing soil erosion than trees and bare ground. Brachiaria decumbens did not allow sediment losses during a highly rainy period at this locale; it was significantly (P<0.01) superior to all tree species, one cover legume and bare ground. Soil dissolved organic carbon (SDOC) estimates were significantly (P<0.01) higher for ground cover species than for tree species and bare ground. Soil chemical composition of all eroded soil sites under consideration did not explain the changes in performance and development of the evaluated germplasm. Keywords: Soil erosionSedimentOrganic carbonTreesGrassesTurf legumesPerformanceDevelopment Acknowledgments