Quantifying the runoff reduction benefits of the ‘Grain for Green’ Programme using the VIC model

Variable infiltration capacity model is used to quantitatively analyse the runoff reduction benefits of three basins on the Loess Plateau since the implementation of the 'Grain for Green' programme. The programme played an important role, contributing to >60% of the runoff variation in the different basins. Furthermore, for every 1000 km2 increase in cumulative forest area in basins, the rate of runoff coefficient reduction changed by −30%, −37.3% and 169% in the late stage of the programme compared to the early stage, respectively ('-' represents a decrease in reduction rate). This was closely related to the restoration of vegetation.