This paper aims to investigate the performance of mulch cover with coir dust (Cocos nuciferaL.) and cover crop with Palma cactus (Opuntia ficus indicaMill.) as soil and water conservation techniques, in a laboratory soil flume under simulated rainfall. Palma cactus plants oriented at 90 degrees and 30 degrees angles with the slope direction were considered. Simulations comprised uniform advanced and delayed rainfall patterns. Runoff hydrographs and soil loss were monitored at the downstream end of the flume. Soil moisture and flow velocity were measured, and several hydraulic parameters of runoff were estimated. Results show that both mulch cover with coir dust and cover crop with Palma cactus were effective in reducing runoff and soil loss and increasing soil moisture content, thus being both suitable soil and water conservation techniques for semiarid environments. Coir dust was more effective than Palma cactus. Palma cactus oriented at a 90 degrees angle was slightly more effective than Palma cactus oriented at a 30 degrees angle. Differences between advanced and delayed rainfall patterns on the hydrological and erosive response were more pronounced for the mulch cover condition, where no runoff and soil loss were observed at the downstream end of the flume for the advanced rainfall pattern.