Abstract: A laboratory simulation test with slope-adjustable steel tank and artificial rainfall was conducted to study the runoff and sediment processes of uncovered and Poa pratensis L.- planted earth roads, and the anti-erosion effects of P. pratensis-  planted earth road. At the same rainfall intensity and slope, the runoff coefficient of  P. pratensis- planted earth road was larger than that of uncovered earth road. For the two kinds of earth roads, their runoff coefficients all increased with increasing rainfall intensity and slope. At the same slope but different rainfall intensity, the runoff coefficient had a logarithmic relationship with rainfall duration, and a quadratic relationship with slope or rainfall intensity. Soil erosion rate increased with increasing rainfall intensity or slope, and was smaller on the P. pratensis-  planted earth road at the same rainfall intensity. The average anti-erosion efficacy of P. pratensis-  planted earth road was 47.22% at different rainfall intensity, and was 26.24% at different slope. Because of its higher roughness and higher road surface resistance coefficient, P. pratensis  planted earth road had a lower sediment yield and a decreased sediment transport.

Key words: uncovered earth road, grass-covered earth road, erosion rate, runoff coefficient, hydraulic parameter, hyporheic zone, macroinvertebrates, functional feeding group, vertical distribution.