In this study, we investigated the variation of flow-sediment relationship before and
after comprehensive management and its response to the management in Yanwachuan
Watershed of Loess Plateau gully region. Results showed that the runoff and sediment
underwent a significant shift in 1997, and the human activities, which had positive influences
on controlling soil erosion, were enhanced in the watershed after 1997. Thus, the whole period
was divided into two sub- periods, the base period (1981- 1997) and the management period
(1998- 2009). Whether at annual scale or single rainfall event scale, the flow- sediment
relationship between runoff depth and sediment transport modulus varied significantly in the
management period comparing with that in the base period. The sediment discharge at unit
runoff depth in the management period was significantly lower than that in the base period. At
single rainfall scale, the flow-sediment relationship tended to be stable when the flow discharge
exceeded a critical value of 3 mm. When precipitation was less than 50 mm, rainfall intensity
was lower than 4 mm/h or rainfall duration was longer than 3 h, the flow-sediment relationship
in the management period showd significant variation. The comprehensive management of soil
and water conservation had altered the flow-sediment relationship significantly at annual scale
and single rainfall scale. The sediment discharge at unit runoff depth of individual rainfall
under condition of medium-low precipitation, medium-low rainfall intensity or medium-long
rainfall duration would be significantly decreased by the comprehensive control measures.
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