Dataset from an in-field experimental rainfall simulation - Influence of macrofauna on runoff and erosion - Vietnam, Hanoi Province, Dong Cao, March 2011

We assessed the effect of the micro-relief generated by earthworms and termites on soil hydrodynamic properties, and soil and nutrient losses. Eighteen 1 m×1 m plots were established for rainfall simulation experiments (2 runs of 40 min rain, intensity 90 mm h−1) in a steep slope fallow in Northern Vietnam. The soil surface of the micro-plots differed in the proportions of earthworm casts and termite sheetings. The results confirmed the importance of soil biostructures in the regulation of pedohydrological properties of soils. Although globular water-stable earthworm casts promote water infiltration in soil and decrease soil and nutrient losses, the unstable termite sheetings break-down rapidly and generate structural crusts which foster water runoff and soil detachment.