Abstract: Based on the longterm observation in the Hilly Region of Central Hunan (HRCH) and Mountainous Area of Northwestern Hunan (MANH),the ecological functions and benefits of shelter forest along Yangtze river in Hunan Province were analyzed.Taking the barren land as control,the decrease in runoff on afforested slope ranged from 3.3% to 17.16% in HRCH and from 8.01% to 17.42% in MANH.Especially,a more significant difference was found in the water holding function of soil.The water holding capacity of afforested soil increased by 47.1%～119.6% in HRCH and by 43.0%～108.7% in MANH.The permeation ratio of afforested soil increased by 90.9%～131.8% in HRCH and by 295.6%～456.54% in MANH.The amount of earth eroded on the afforested slope was only 15.3%～35.7% of that on barren land.Among the forest types observed,the mixed plantation forest and secondary mixed forest had significantly lower runoff,amount of earth eroded and rate of earth transportation, and higher water holding capacity and permeation ratio than pure forests,indicating that the mixed forest had developed better ecological functions.The ecological benefits of shelter forest along Yangtze river in Hunan Province was estimated to be 3.501 billion Yuan RMB.

Key words: Shenyang city, Seed plant, Flora, Vegetation types