Multi-Scale Effect of Land Use Landscape on Basin Streamflow Impacts in Loess Hilly and Gully Region of Loess Plateau: Insights from the Sanchuan River Basin, China

Zexin Lei (), Shifang Zhang, Wenzheng Zhang, Xuqiang Zhao and Jing Gao
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Zexin Lei: College of Architecture, Taiyuan University of Technology, No. 79 West Street Yingze, Taiyuan 030024, China
Shifang Zhang: College of Traffic Engineering, Shanxi Vocational University of Engineering Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030000, China
Wenzheng Zhang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
Xuqiang Zhao: Shanxi Academy of Social Sciences, No. 14, South Road Dachang, Taiyuan 030032, China
Jing Gao: College of Architecture, Taiyuan University of Technology, No. 79 West Street Yingze, Taiyuan 030024, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-21

Abstract: The gullies and valleys of the Loess Plateau, as key ecological zones for soil erosion control, play a critical role in the region’s sustainable development under increasing urbanization. This study employed the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to analyze the impacts of land use/cover changes (LUCC) on runoff at multiple spatial scales and locations within the Sanchuan River Basin (SRB) in the loess hilly and gully region. The methodology integrates SWAT modeling with LUCC scenario analysis, focusing on spatial and scale effects of land use changes on hydrological processes. The results revealed distinct spatial differences, with diminishing LUCC impacts on streamflow from the upper to lower reaches of the basin, regardless of land use type. Scale effects were also evident: grassland effectively controlled runoff within 300 m of riparian zones, while forest land was most effective beyond 750 m. A relatively insensitive range for runoff changes was observed between 300 and 750 m. These findings highlight the critical role of LUCC in influencing runoff patterns and underscore the importance of region-specific and scale-sensitive land use management strategies. This research provides valuable guidance for sustainable land planning, particularly in riparian zones, to enhance runoff control and optimize ecological benefits.

Keywords: landscape pattern; LUCC; riparian buffer zone; landscape planning; runoff management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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