The Influence of Low-Growing Shrubs in Runoff-Regulating Forest Belts on the Formation of Water Runoff Factors of Meltwater

The paper studies the influence of shrubs in a runoff-regulating forest belt of a combined (dense–blown–lattice) design on the natural factors of meltwater runoff formation: snow accumulation, freezing depth and soil moisture. The research was conducted at the Amphitheater runoff-erosion station in agroforestry landscapes of a dry-steppe natural zone (Volgograd) with the use of the water-balance method at runoff sites. During the field experiment with different placement of shrubs in three- or four-row forest belts (in the middle, on the upper edge, on the lower edge, and on both sides), a positive role in increasing the ameliorative effect of runoff-regulating forest belts was established: reduction of freezing depth, accumulation of snow reserves, and additional moisture in the soil. In terms of impact on natural factors of meltwater runoff, the placement of shrubs in the flow-regulating forest belt of combined design on the lower and upper edges was the most effective. This measure provided better snow accumulation inside the forest belt and increased soil moisture in it. Thus, when creating new erosion control measures, it is necessary to introduce shrubbery into the composition of runoff-regulating forest belts, which affects the natural factors of runoff formation—snow accumulation, freezing depth, and soil moisture—and contributes to the reduction of surface runoff of melt water.