Hydrological balance and soil erosion in Eucalyptus coppices

The results of a research carried out on the role of eucalyptus cover in the control or superficial runoffs and soil erosion are shown. The research was carried out from 1978 to 1997 in three smal! experimental basins located in the province of Crotone (Calabria). Two small experimental basins were covered by eucalyptus coppices of different ages (Eucalyptus occidemalis, End!.) and one was covered by a xerophite range, typical of the land use preceding the forestation carried out after the strong and prolonged rainfall which ,lffected Calabria in 1951 and 1953. The analysis of rainfall, runoffs and turbidity data collected over two decades of monitoring, shows to what extent eucalyptus cover has good anti-erosive effectiveness on clay soils. The analysis showed also their effectiveness compared lO non-reforested areas, as well as the effect of coppicing. This research contirmed the results gathered by short-term analysis. Impact of coppicing on surface hydrology and on soil erosion can be limited if clear residues are left on the ground, and the presence of non-forested spots within reforested areas deeply affects runoff and sediment yield. According to our experience and to the results observed in long-term measurements, we can assert that eucalyptus cover plays a key role in 1essening the desertification processes in the difficult pedoclimatic environment in which lhey have been employed.