ABSTRACT
Chinese fir (Curminghamia lanceolata) is an excellent timber tree found mainly in subtropical regions of China. It covers the largest area of any plantation species in China. An understanding of soil erosion on Chinese fir plantations is very important for sustaining and improving their long-term productivity. Results from studies of soil erosion on Chinese fir plantations are reviewed in this paper. Soil erosion occurs primarily after site burning and site preparation and is exacerbated by inappropriate site management. Soil erosion in Chinese fir plantations depends on slope, parent rock, time after disturbance, and season. Slope affects soil erosion; as the slope increases so does erosion, up to a maximum level, and thereafter it declines. Soils derived from granite or sandstone have a higher susceptibility to soil erosion. Soils formed from shale and slate have a lower level of soil erosion. Soil erosion decreases with time after site burning and with appropriate land preparation. Soil erosion is much higher in the first year after site disturbance. There are seasonal variations between locations. In Jiangxi and Fujian provinces, the period of high erosion is from February to July, the low erosion period from August to October, and there is minimal erosion from November to January.
