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Experimental Study on the Effects of Vegetation and Slope on Rainfall Erosion of Reconstructed Iron Tailings Slopes
  • Shumei Sui,
  • Yabo Zhao,
  • Long Hai
Shumei Sui
Liaoning Technical University School of Mechanics and Engineering
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Yabo Zhao
Liaoning Technical University School of Mechanics and Engineering

Corresponding Author:2061449610@qq.com

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Long Hai
Liaoning Technical University School of Mechanics and Engineering
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Abstract

[Research Objective and Significance] This study addresses soil and water loss from iron tailings by reconstructing the tailings and evaluating the impact of vegetation at various growth stages and slope gradients on runoff erosion. [Methods] Continuous monitoring of runoff initiation time, volume, and sediment yield enables a quantitative analysis of the effects of these factors on rainfall infiltration and slope erosion. [Results] Results show that bare soil slopes had average infiltration rates of 0.916, 0.891, and 0.857 mm/min, stabilizing within 9 to 12 minutes, with rates decreasing as slope gradients increased. In contrast, vegetation significantly enhances infiltration; for example, on a 15° slope, the average infiltration rates for vegetated slopes at 30, 60, and 90 days were 0.923, 0.936, and 0.943 mm/min, stabilizing at 15, 24, and 27 minutes, respectively. Furthermore, vegetation cover effectively reduces runoff rates, with cumulative runoff volume decreasing by 13%, 40%, and 53.2% at 30, 60, and 90 days. Vegetation also substantially suppresses soil erosion, with sediment yield reductions of 12.5% to 76.56%, 11.77% to 77.57%, and 11.97% to 78.66% across varying slopes. [Conclusion]After 60 days of growth, significant improvements in runoff and erosion control were observed, providing crucial insights for soil stabilization and the advancement of vegetation-based slope protection technologies.
23 Oct 2024Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
24 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
24 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
25 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 Dec 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major