Author(s)

Anja M.W. de Wit & Leo C. Brouwer

Abstract

In parts of Spain which suffer from desertification, afforestation has taken place to supposedly reduce the effect of land degradation, notably erosion. In a marl limestone area near Lorca, south eastern Spain, the effects of afforestation on overland flow and erosion processes are studied. The natural vegetation in the area consists mainly of Stipa tenacissima (perennial grass) and Pinus halepensis. In 1983 Finns halepensis have been planted on terraces, which were created with heavy machinery. The first results of the study indicate that surface runoff after heavy rainfall is increased and consequently erosion is enhanced in the reforested areas. This unwanted effect is due to a number of causes. Most importantly the creatio

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