Three kinds of herbs Vetiveria zizanioides

Pennisetum purpureum Schum and Miscanthus floridulus were selected for an experiment of soil and water conservation in the red soil hilly region of Southern China. Observations of soil physiochemical properties

runoff and soil erosion were made in runoff plots for nearly three years. Results show that compared with Vetiveria zizanioides and Pennisetum purpureum Schum

Miscanthus floridulus has obvious advantages on increasing surface coverage

improving soil physiochemical properties

reducing and retaining surface runoff

improving micro-landform

controlling and reducing soil erosion

and improving ecological environment. Furthermore

Miscanthus floridulus are widely distributed

the seeds can be obtained easily

and the cost of planting is very low. Therefore

Miscanthus floridulus is a good grass for soil and water conservation. Miscanthus floridulus should be selected firstly in projects of soil and water conservation in the ed soil hilly region of Southern China.