In order to explore the impact of vegetation restoration on the water conservation function of litter layer and soil layer in degraded red soil region

and further reveal the functional effects of vegetation restoration in degraded ecosystems

water holding capacity of the litter layer and the 0—20 cm soil layer of three recovery modes (Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. pure forest

Pinus massoniana Lamb. pure forest

Pinus massoniana Lamb. replanted with Schima superba Gardn. et Champ) were measured by indoor flooding and cutting ring methods. The results showed that: (1) Pure Pinus massoniana. forest had the maximum litter accumulation (7.91 t/hm2) and water holding capacity (15.39 t/hm2)

but lower maximum water holding rate than that of Schima superba. pure forest (246.69%).(2) The effective and the maximum storage capacity of litter layer in pure Pinus massoniana forest was the largest (7.75

and 10.02 t/hm2

respectively)

while the smallest (3.83

5.36 t/hm2

respectively) was found in Schima superba pure forest. (3) The relationship between water holding capacity of litter layer and the immersion time followed the logarithmic function Q=aln(t)+b

R2>0.90; while the change of water holding rate of litter with the time of immersion fit the power function: V=atb

R2>0.95

and the fitting is better. (4) The averaged maximum water retention of 0—20 cm soil layer in Pinus massonian are planted with Schima superba

Pinus massoniana pure forest and Schima superba pure forest were 10.49 mm

9.83 mm

and 8.28 mm

respectively. The mean value of soil maximum water absorption and storage capacity was higher in Schima superba (38.39 mm) than those in Pinus massoniana replanted with Schima superba (31.13 mm) and Pinus massoniana (30.35 mm). Therefore

it could be inferred that Pinus massoniana pure forest had the largest water conservation capacity

followed by Pinus massoniana replanted with Schima superb and then Schima superba pure forest. In the degraded red soil area where soil erosion is more serious

Pinus massoniana can provide a compromise solution for reducing soil erosion through the surface litter layer.