This paper describes the investigations carried out and the methods employed to determine the characteristics of ten plant species for use in various aspects of soil erosion control. Seed of the ten plant species to be studied were sowed in beds. After a suitable period of time for growth of the plants, sample areas 0.25 sq. mt. were selected. The number of plants and total volume and weight of the plant growth at specific levels (0-2 cm, 2-8 cm, 8-26 cm, 26-80 cm) both above and below ground were measured. The results obtained have led to the following preliminary conclusions. Of the plants studied the species Paspalum notalum Flügge, composed of two varieties, large leafed Batatais and Bahia grass, were found to have the largest volume and weight of plant growth in the area 2 to 8 centimeters above and below the soil surface. Roças grass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir) proved to be a good ground cover but root penetration and development was relatively poor at all depths. The Kikuiu grass (Pennisetum clandes-tinum Chiov.), Tio Pedro grass (Paspalum convexum H. B.) and Gengibre grass (Paspalum maritinum Trin.) produced a good ground cover but root development in the soil was only fair. The Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) and Portuguêsa grass (Panicum repens L.) gave measurements of volume and weight of plant growth at all levels both above and below ground which indicated that these plants would be relatively satisfactory in erosion control work. The data obtained from the study of Margaridinha (Wedelia paludosa L.) indicated this species is very good both from standpoint of a cover crop and in its capacity to hold the soil in place. The common Kudzu (Pueraria thumbergiana Benth.) gave measurements of top and root development that show that it is a very good species. The author discusses in a general way all of the above mentioned species in relation to specific uses in soil conservation.