Protective function of narrow grass hedges on soil and water loss on sloping croplands in Northern China

▶ Grass hedges were efficient in reducing soil and water loss on sloping croplands. ▶ Pennisetum hedges averagely decreased overland flow by 68% and soil loss by 84%. ▶ Arundinella hedges averagely decreased overland flow by 38% and soil loss by 55%. ▶ Effectiveness of hedges was negatively correlated to slope gradient and rain rate. ▶ Grass hedges did not provide a thorough protection under extreme conditions.