To study the effects of different mulching methods on soil nutrient loss and soil particle size distribution

we simulated different rainfall intensities (30 mm/h

and 60 mm/h) and different mulching methods (litter

gravel) by an artificially simulated rainfall experimental system. The results showed that: (1) Both litter cover and gravel cover could reduce soil erosion effectively. A 250 g/m2 litter cover and a 50% gravel cover could reduce soil erosion by 91%-98% and 68%-91%

respectively. (2) The concentration of organic matter

available nitrogen

and?available phosphorus did not change with the variation of coverage

but the concentration of available potassium was increased to 144%-325% of that of the control treatment. (3) The total nutrient loss decreased with the increase of coverage. A 250 g/m2 litter cover and a 50% gravel cover could reduce the nutrient loss by 64%-96% and 43%-94%

respectively. (4) The particle size of the eroded soil was significantly smaller than that of the soil before erosion

and the larger the erosion modulus

the closer the soil particle size was to the undisturbed soil.