Rare earth element migration in gullies with different Dicranopteris dichotoma covers in the Huangnikeng gully group, Changting County, Southeast China

Little is known about rare earth element (REE) migration in gullies in Southeast China. We examine the concentration and distribution of REE, soil variables, and correlations among REE and soil variables field investigation, laboratory measurement, and statistical analysis in the three gullies with different Dicranopteris dichotoma covers in the Huangnikeng gully group, Changting County, Southeast China. We show that the REE pattern in gullies is typical of red soil in Southeast China. REE migrate severely in gullies with low vegetation cover, REE migrate from higher sites to lower sites under the influence of water flow and gravity, and gullies can be considered an important REE source. Dicranopteris dichotoma can succeed in gullies and affect part of soil variables, organic C and pH can play an important role in REE migration in gullies, and Dicranopteris dichotoma is a recommended plant for effectively controlling REE migration and gully erosion. The critical vegetation cover of gullies should be further studied to control REE migration and gully erosion.