At the Shilichangchuan project we were taken to visit an erosion research
station. It provides an out-door test site consisting of small plots of
natural soil, which are inclined with a small slope. These plots will be
covered with different types of vegetation at different densities. The amount
of soil being eroded from the plot during a rainstorm will flow toward a
trench at the lower end and will be directed to an underground chamber for
measurement.
This is a picture of the underground chamber where canisters are provided
to collect the runoff from the experimental plots above. During a rainstorm
the runoff washed down into the canisters will be determined for its quantity
and erosion content, and at the same time the amount and duration of precipitation
will be measured by the station's meteorological facilities. From such data
the protection offered by different types of vegetation cover to erosion
can be established. I have looked at a sample data sheet for measurement
recording, and it does seem to specify all the relevant measurements needed
for such a research study.
Apparently, this research station was established recently by the local
soil conservation unit under its own initiative, who took us to see it hoping
it would be funded by the Yellow River Conservancy Commission eventually,
since its Vice Director was here. To me, the research station looked like
a very diligent application of limited resources.
Picture source: George Leung (1995)