This study in northern Mexico sought to determine the effect of grass cover on runoff and interrill erosion in two growing seasons under simulated rainfall, and to define the effect of specific plant and soil variables on runoff and interrill erosion. In general, surface runoff decreases with an increase of grass cover. During the growing season, a grass cover of 50% is necessary to significantly reduce runoff; while the dormant season requires a grass cover above 70 percent. Runoff is negatively correlated with grass basal cover and sand content and positively correlated with rock and gravel cover, during the growing season. During the dormant season, runoff is negatively correlated with grass aerial cover, soil water content, and soil organic matter. Grass basal cover is the most influential factor that affects interrill erosion.
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