Resumen de Soil-plant characteristics in an age sequence of coronilla varia l. plantations along embankments
Objectives: Coronilla varia L., a leguminous herb, is widely used in vegetation restoration programs on road embankments to enhance soil nutrients. Our hypothesis is that, under identical climatic conditions,plant and soil properties are determined by the slope aspect and stand age of legume plantations. Methods: We collected soil samples and investigated plant diversity in an age sequence of 0-, 4-, 10- and 20-year-old C. varia L. plantations and natural grasslands. Results: Stand age, rather than slope aspect, was found to be the main factor influencing the soil and plant feedback on the embankments. Planting C.varia L. on the embankments could enhance soil nutrients and improve the soil quality to the level ofa natural grass l and after 20 years of plantation.The plant diversity and species number were steady after C.varia L. had been established for 10 years. Conclusions: Planting C. varia L. on embankments is an effective method foren hancing soil nutrients and maintaining ecosystem stability in the Guanzhong Basin, China.
