Spatial Estimation of Soil Erosion Risk by Land‐cover Change in the Andes OF Southern Ecuador

Ecuador has the highest deforestation rate in South America, causing large‐scale soil erosion. Inter‐Andean watersheds are especially affected by a rapid increase of the population leading to the conversion of large areas of montane forest into pasture and cropland. In this study, we estimate soil erosion risk in a small mixed land‐use watershed in the southern Andes of Ecuador. Soil loss was estimated at a spatial resolution of 30 m, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) where the RUSLE factors were estimated on the basis of limited public available data. Land‐cover maps for 1976, 2008 and 2040 were created assuming increasing deforestation rates over the ensuing decades. Greater erosion rates are estimated for succession areas with agricultural cropland and pasture with maximum values of 936 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, where slopes and precipitation amounts are the greatest. Under natural forest vegetation, the estimated soil erosion rates are negligible (1·5 to 40 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹) even at steep slopes and higher elevations where rainfall amounts and intensities are generally higher. When the entire watershed has undergone substantial deforestation in 2040, erosion values may reach 2,021 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. Vegetation cover is the most important factor for potential soil erosion. Secondary factors are related to rainfall (R‐factor) and topography (LS factors). Although the spatial predictions of potential soil erosion have only limited meaning for erosion risk, this method provides an important screening tool for land management and assessment of land‐cover change. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sediment Yield Deduction from Check–dams Deposition in the Weathered Sandstone Watershed on the North Loess Plateau,China

As the basic unit of erosion and sediment yield, it was critical to determine the amount of soil erosion and sediment yield in the small watersheds for sustaining a reasonable water resource and sediment regulation system. In this study, we determined the sediment yield from the dams‐controlled watershed on the North Loess Plateau. Three check dams in the watershed were investigated by drilling ten‐hole sedimentation cores. The corresponding flood couplets were dated according to thickness of deposition layers, distribution of sediment particle size and historical erosive rainfall events. On the basis of the check dams capacity curve, the soil bulk density and the thickness of couplets, the deposit mass of check dams, and then the sediment yield of watershed at different temporal and spatial scale were deducted. In total of the 33, 60 and 55 couplets were corresponded to individual flood events in the dam MH1# from 1976 to 1984, the dam MH2# from 1985 to 2007, and the dam MH4# from 1981 to 2009, respectively. The specific sediment yield for flood events was 1,188.5–11,527.9 Mg km⁻², 1,278.6–17,136.7 Mg km⁻², and 3,395.9–33,698.5 Mg km⁻², and the annual average sediment yield was 10,728.6 Mg (km² · a)⁻¹, 12,662.9 Mg (km² · a)⁻¹, and 16,753.3 Mg (km² · a)⁻¹ in dam MH1#, MH2# and MH4# controlled watershed, respectively. The sediment yields were inversely proportional to the dams – controlled areas. For the whole watershed, the annual average sediment yield was 14,011.1 Mg (km² · a)⁻¹ from 1976 to 2009. There were large amounts of sediments (42.3–50.5%) were intercepted gradually along the way from small watersheds to the river channel. And the minimum rainfall for sediment deposited in the dams was greater than 20 mm in this watershed. The results of this study suggested that the sediments retained behind check dams were helpful to quantifying the amount of erosion sediment yield and understanding the soil erosion evolution in the small and ungauged watersheds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling Post‐Tree‐Harvesting Soil Erosion and Sediment Deposition Potential in the Turano River Basin (Italian Central Apennine)

The overall aim of the paper is the assessment of human‐induced accelerated soil erosion processes due to forest harvesting in the Upper Turano River Basin. The spatio‐temporal pattern of soil erosion processes was investigated by means of a spatially distributed modelling approach. We used the Unit Stream Power Erosion and Deposition model. During the soil erosion‐modelling phase, the forest cover changes were mapped via remote sensing. According to this operation, the forest sectors exploited for timber production amounted to about 2781 ha or 9·9% of the wooded surface from March 2001 to August 2011. In this period, the average annual net soil erosion rate estimated by means of modelling operations totalled 0·83 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ for all the forest lands. The net soil erosion rate predicted for the disturbed forest lands is significantly higher than the average value for the entire forest (5·34 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹). Estimates indicate a soil loss equal to 8521 Mg y⁻¹ (net soil erosion 0·34 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹) in the undisturbed forest area (254 km²), whereas the 27·8 km² of disturbed forest area could potentially lose 14 846 Mg y⁻¹. The paper shows that a disturbed forest sector could produce about 74·2% more net erosion than a nine times larger, undisturbed forest sector. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A New Assessment of Soil Loss Due to Wind Erosion in European Agricultural Soils Using a Quantitative Spatially Distributed Modelling Approach

Field measurements and observations have shown that wind erosion is a threat for numerous arable lands in the European Union (EU). Wind erosion affects both the semi‐arid areas of the Mediterranean region as well as the temperate climate areas of the northern European countries. Yet, there is still a lack of knowledge, which limits the understanding about where, when and how heavily wind erosion is affecting European arable lands. Currently, the challenge is to integrate the insights gained by recent pan‐European assessments, local measurements, observations and field‐scale model exercises into a new generation of regional‐scale wind erosion models. This is an important step to make the complex matter of wind erosion dynamics more tangible for decision‐makers and to support further research on a field‐scale level. A geographic information system version of the Revised Wind Erosion Equation was developed to (i) move a step forward into the large‐scale wind erosion modelling; (ii) evaluate the soil loss potential due to wind erosion in the arable land of the EU; and (iii) provide a tool useful to support field‐based observations of wind erosion. The model was designed to predict the daily soil loss potential at a ca. 1 km² spatial resolution. The average annual soil loss predicted by geographic information system Revised Wind Erosion Equation in the EU arable land totalled 0·53 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, with the second quantile and the fourth quantile equal to 0·3 and 1·9 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, respectively. The cross‐validation shows a high consistency with local measurements reported in literature. © 2016 The Authors. Land Degradation and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Soil Erosion Assessments: An Application in a Sloping Mediterranean Watershed,Cyprus

In arid and semi‐arid regions, water erosion is difficult to model because of highly irregular precipitation regimes and changes in vegetation cover. The application of quantitative, process‐based models at the catchment scale is often problematic because of large data requirements. Qualitative methods require less data and can be more easily performed in a relatively short time, but they are more subjective. The objective of this research is to develop an erosion assessment methodology that combines qualitative field surveys with quantitative model estimates. The qualitative World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) methodology is based on expert observations per mapping unit, while the Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA) model simulates hill slope soil loss based on land cover, soil texture, meteorological data and slope profile. This study was conducted in the 106·4‐km² Peristerona watershed in Cyprus with a mean local slope higher than 40% in the mountainous upstream area and less than 8% in the plain. Out of 68 units, PESERA and WOCAT results were in agreement in 40 units, while PESERA results were lower in 25 and higher in 3 units. Both methods identified burnt areas and complex cultivation patterns as the most degraded. The total PESERA‐based sediment yield for the watershed was 1·2 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, which fell within the range of the sediment yield measured at the check‐dam downstream (0·2–2 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹). This study provides a linkage between qualitative and quantitative soil erosion methods and helps to translate the outcomes of the former into the latter, thus providing a good tool for local erosion assessment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Land use and soil conservation strategies for potentially highly erodible soils of central-eastern Nigeria

In areas susceptible to erosion, there is the need for a comprehensive soil conservation programme so as to be able to prevent catastrophic soil erosion problems. The absence of such a programme in central eastern Nigeria, that has a total land area of 20 000 km², necessitated the drawing up of a soil conservation strategy for the area. The aim was to provide information for better land-use planning and proper environmental and soil management. To achieve this, topographic, soil and landform maps of the area at the scale of 1:50 000 were used to delineate into slope land units, viz: 0–4 per cent, <4 per cent, drainage basins and headwaters. These slope units and estimated soil erosion hazard units using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) were employed to form a general purpose land classification based on the USDA land capability classification and FAO framework on land evaluation.The soil loss tolerance of the area falls between 1·16 and 1·30 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, while the erosion hazard units are considered generally suitable for the various land utilization types, with a number of limitations the main ones being erosion and waterlogging. The soil conservation measures proposed involved the application of bioenvironmental processes in the area and appropriate watershed management. The techniques proposed are those based on low input technology, affordable by rural farmers. It is concluded that these soil conservation measures will be adequate for sustainable agricultural production in the area. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

修正的通用土壤流失方程中各因子单位的确定

[目的]明确和规范修正的通用土壤流失方程(RUSLE)中各因子的单位,使得RUSLE在中国具体应用过程中更加科学和便捷。[方法]通过对国内外RUSLE应用实践的总结和对比研究,并分析其科学合理性,找出最为普遍应用的、准确的RUSLE各因子的单位,明确不同单位类型之间的转化系数。[结果]国内RUSLE的应用,大部分是通过各地区建立的各因子统计模型转换成国际制单位系统,最后相乘得到的是以国际制单位表示的土壤侵蚀量,另一部分则是通过相应的各因子统计模型计算得到各个因子以美制单位系统表示的计算结果,最后再乘以224.2将土壤侵蚀量转换为国际制单位。国内主流侵蚀估计中使用的单位焦耳系统,单位面积有两种即km^2和hm^2。土壤流失量A常用的国际制单位为t/hm^2或t/km^2;降雨侵蚀力因子R常用的国际制单位为(MJ·mm)/(hm^2·h·a)或(MJ·mm)/(km^2·h·a);土壤可蚀性因子K的常用国际制单位为(t·hm^2·h)/(hm^2·MJ·mm)或(t·km^2·h)/(km^2·MJ·mm)。不同地区建立的计算方法通过相应的转换系数转换成国际制单位。最后,R和K因子的单位系统的一致性是RUSLE应用的关键步骤。[结论]R和K因子通过相应的单位转换系数转换为国际制单位以及两者的单位一致性是土壤侵蚀评估的重要基础。     

Erodibility of soils of the upper rainforest zone,southeastern Nigeria

The susceptibility of some soils in the high rainfall zone of Nigeria to soil erosion must be measured regularly for better soil management. A number of techniques have been adopted for the determination of this soil loss parameter. The aim of this study is to determine the soil characteristics that relate significantly to erodibility. Soil samples collected from 0–20 cm depth from 10 different locations in the upper rainforest area were analysed for particle size distribution, water‐stable aggregates, exchangeable cations, organic carbon, soil dispersion and aggregating indices. The soils are mainly Acrisols, Nitosols, Gleysols and Ferralsol in the FAO classification while their textures are sands to sandy‐clay‐loam. They are very unstable in water as reflected in the higher values of WSA >0·50 mm and the mean‐weight diameter that ranged from 0·50 to 2·03 mm. The dispersion ratio for the soils are between 0·26 and 0·69 while clay dispersion ratio also ranged from 0·24 to 0·80. Revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) erodibility model values (K) were from 0·03 to 0·06 Mg h MJ⁻¹ mm⁻¹. These parameters can be effectively used in predicting soil erodibility, though their predictability varied in ranking of soil erodibility. In spite of this variability these indices can be used for potential erosion hazard determination by agricultural extension staff to avoid crop failures and other negative influence of soil erosion. The soil parameters are easy to determine and will be a valuable instrument when faster approaches to erosion control measures are required. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modeling soil carbon transported by water erosion processes

Long‐term monitoring is needed for direct assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil, and nutrient loss by water erosion on a watershed scale. However, labor and capital requirements preclude implementation of such monitoring at many locations representing principal soils and ecoregions. These considerations warrant the development of diagnostic models to assess erosional SOC loss from more readily obtained data. The same factors affect transport of SOC and mineral soil fraction, suggesting that given the gain or loss of soil minerals, it may be possible to estimate the SOC flux from the data on erosion and deposition. One possible approach to parameterization is the use of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) to predict soil loss and this multiplied by the per cent of SOC in the near‐surface soil and an enrichment factor to obtain SOC loss. The data obtained from two watersheds in Ohio indicate that a power law relationship between soil loss and SOC loss may be more appropriate. When measured SOC loss from individual events over a 12‐year period was plotted against measured soil loss the data were logarithmically linear (R²=0·75) with a slope (or exponent in the power law) slightly less than would be expected for a RUSLE type model. The stable aggregate size distribution in runoff from a plot scale may be used to estimate the fate of size pools of SOC by comparing size distributions in the runoff plot scale and river watershed scales. Based upon this comparison, a minimum of 73 per cent of material from runoff plots is deposited on the landscape and the most stable carbon pool is lost from watershed soils to aquatic ecosystems and atmospheric carbon dioxide. Implicit in these models is the supposition that water stable soil aggregates and primary particles can be viewed as a tracer for SOC. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of the Suspended Sediment Dynamics in Two Loess Plateau Catchments,China

Changes in runoff and sediment loads are of great importance for the management of river basins and the implementation of soil and water conservation measures. This study compared the suspended sediment dynamics in the Huangfuchuan and Yanhe catchments on the Loess Plateau. Both annual runoff and sediment load displayed significant reductions from 1955 to 2012. The decreasing rates were −0·88 mm a⁻¹ and −2·72 Mg ha⁻¹ a⁻¹ in the Huangfuchuan catchment, respectively, and ‐0.31 mm a⁻¹ and −1·20 Mg ha⁻¹ a⁻¹ in the Yanhe catchment. A total of 183 and 195 events, respectively, were selected to assess the suspended sediment dynamics in both catchments during the periods of 1971–1989 and 2006–2012. The results showed a good linear relationship between the sediment yield and runoff depth in both catchments from 1971 to 1989 and a relatively worse relationship in the Yanhe catchment from 2006 to 2012. The magnitude and frequency of the hyper‐concentrated sediment flow obviously decreased in the 2000s compared with that between 1971 and 1989. A hysteresis analysis suggested that complex and counter‐clockwise loops were the dominant patterns. Various soil and water conservation measures (e.g., afforestation, grassing, terraces, and check dams) played a critical role in runoff and sediment load changes in both catchments. The two catchments showed obvious heterogeneities in runoff and sediment yield because of different lithologies, soil types, and vegetation. The results of this study provide valuable information on suspended sediment dynamics and could be used to improve soil erosion control measures on the Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of land management on runoff and soil losses from two small watersheds in St Lucia

The influence of land use on runoff and soil loss was assessed on two small watersheds in the Eastern Caribbean island of St Lucia, under contrasting land management regimes. The data generated from these watersheds revealed that the soil losses from an intensively cultivated agricultural watershed were 20‐times higher in magnitude than that of a forested watershed both for peak rainfall event and for total duration of analysis. This was due to higher surface runoff rates and exposure of soil to direct raindrop impact within cultivated areas. Whereas the forest canopy cover in combination with higher infiltration capacities of the forested land reduced the erosive runoff from the forest watershed and thus the soil loss. Moreover, the energy intensities of large storms in excess of 40 mm were estimated and found to range between 400 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ and 1834 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹. 1

1 Megajoules‐millimeters per hectare‐hour.

Soil loss from the agricultural watershed was strongly correlated (R² = 0·85) to storm energy‐intensity (EI₃₀). However, the correlation of soil loss with the EI₃₀ (R² = 0·71) was poor for the forest watershed due to the effect of canopy vegetation, which significantly reduced the energy of raindrop impact. Over the study period, cumulative soil losses were 10·0 t ha⁻¹ for the agricultural site and 0·5 t ha⁻¹ for the forest site. 2

2 Metric tons per hectare.

The largest storm observed during the study period resulted in erosion losses of 3·78 t ha⁻¹ and 0·2 t ha⁻¹ from the agricultural and forest sites respectively. The regression models were developed using the measured data for prediction of runoff and soil loss over the watersheds of St Lucia under similar conditions. This study contributed towards efficient watershed management planning and implementation of suitable water conservation measures in St Lucia. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface runoff and soil erosion estimation using the SWAT model in the Keleta Watershed,Ethiopia

This study evaluates surface runoff generation and soil erosion rates for a small watershed (the Keleta Watershed) in the Awash River basin of Ethiopia by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Calibration and validation of the model was performed on monthly basis, and it could simulate surface runoff and soil erosion to a good level of accuracy. The simulated surface runoff closely matched with observed data (derived by hydrograph separation). Surface runoff generation was generally high in parts of the watershed characterized by heavy clay soils with low infiltration capacity, agricultural land use and slope gradients of over 25 per cent. The estimated soil loss rates were also realistic compared to what can be observed in the field and results from previous studies. The long‐term average soil loss was estimated at 4·3 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹; most of the area of the watershed (∼80 per cent) was predicted to suffer from a low or moderate erosion risk (<8 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹), and only in ∼1·2 per cent of the watershed was soil erosion estimated to exceed 12 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. Expectedly, estimated soil loss was significantly correlated with measured rainfall and simulated surface runoff. Based on the estimated soil loss rates, the watershed was divided into four priority categories for conservation intervention. The study demonstrates that the SWAT model provides a useful tool for soil erosion assessment from watersheds and facilitates planning for a sustainable land management in Ethiopia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Erodibility in relation to water‐dispersible clay for some soils of eastern Nigeria

Water dispersible clay (WDC) can influence soil erosion by water. Therefore, in highly erodible soils such as the ones in eastern Nigeria, there is a need to monitor the clay dispersion characteristics to direct and modify soil conservation strategies. Twenty‐five soil samples (0–20 cm in depth) varying in texture, chemical properties and mineralogy were collected from various locations in central eastern Nigeria. The objective was to determine the WDC of the soils and relate this to selected soil physical and chemical attributes. The soils were analysed for their total clay (TC), water‐dispersible clay (WDC), clay dispersion ratio (CDR), dispersion ratio (DR), dithionite extractable iron (Fed), soil organic matter (SOM), exchangeable cations, exhangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Total clay contents of the soil varied from 80–560 g kg⁻¹. The USLE erodibility K ranges from 0·02 to 0·1 Mg h MJ⁻¹ mm and WEPP K fall between 1·2 × 10⁻⁶–1·7 × 10⁻⁶ kg s m⁻⁴. The RUSLE erodibility K correlated significantly with CDR and DR (r = 0·44; 0·39). Also, a positive significant correlation (r = 0·71) existed between WEPP K and RUSLE K. Soils with high clay dispersion ratio (CDR) are highly erodibile and positively correlates (p < 0·51) with Fed, CEC and SOM. Also, DR positively correlates with Mg²⁺ and SOM and negatively correlate with ESP and SAR. Principal component analysis showed that SAR, Na⁺ and percent base saturation play significant role in the clay dispersion of these soils. The implication of this result is that these elements may pose potential problem to these soils if not properly managed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Establishing permissible erosion rates for various landforms in Delhi State,India

Permissible erosion rate also known as soil loss tolerance (‘T’ value) is defined as maximum erosion that can take place on a given soil without degrading its long‐term productivity. In India, default ‘T’ value of 11·2 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ is used for devising land restoration strategies for different types of soils. However, ability of soil to resist degradation varies with soil type, depth and physico‐chemical characteristics. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to determine ‘T’ value of different landforms of Delhi State by taking into account the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), bulk density (BD), organic carbon, erodibility and soil pH. Soil state was defined by a quantitative model and scaling functions were used to convert soil parameters to a 0–1 scale. The normalised values were multiplied by appropriate weighting factors based on relative importance and sensitivity analysis of each indicator. Categorical rankings of I, II or III were assigned to soil groups based on overall aggregate score. ‘T’ value of different landforms of Delhi State was computed using the guideline of USDA‐Natural Resource Conservation Services. Majority of landforms of Delhi had ‘T’ value of 12·5 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, except for the soils of hill terrain, dissected hill, pediment and piedmont plain, where ‘T’ value ranged from 5 to 10 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. These ‘T’ values could be used for conservation planning and will help the planners in devising suitable land restoration strategies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil degradative effects of slope length and tillage methods on alfisols in Western Nigeria. I. Runoff,erosion and crop response

Field runoff plots were established in 1984 to evaluate the effects of slope length on runoff, soil erosion and crop yields on newly cleared land for four consecutive years (1984–1987) on an Alfisol at Ibadan, Nigeria. The experimental treatments involved six slope lengths (60 m to 10 m at 10-m increments) and two tillage methods (plough-based conventional tillage and a herbicide-based no-till method) of seedbed preparation. A uniform crop rotation of maize (Zea mays)/cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) was adopted for all four years. An uncropped and ploughed plot of 25 m length was used as a control. The water runoff from the conventional tillage treatment was not significantly affected by slope length, but runoff from the no-till treatment significantly increased with a decrease in slope length. The average runoff from the no-till treatment was 1·85 per cent of rainfall for 60 m, 2·25 per cent for 40 m, 2·95 per cent for 30 m, 4·7 per cent for 20 m and 5·15 per cent for 10 m slope length. In contrast to runoff, soil erosion in the conventional tillage treatment decreased significantly with a decrease in slope length. For conventional tillage, the average soil erosion was 9·59 Mg ha⁻¹ for 60 m, 9·88 Mg ha⁻¹ for 50 m, 6·84 Mg ha⁻¹ for 40 m, 5·69 Mg ha⁻¹ for 30 m, 1·27 Mg ha⁻¹ for 20 m and 2·19 Mg ha⁻¹ for 10 m slope length. Because the no-till method was extremely effective in reducing soil erosion, there were no definite trends in erosion with regard to slope length. The average sediment load (erosion:runoff ratio) also decreased with a decrease in slope length from 66·3 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ for 60 m to 36·3 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹ for 10 m slope length. The mean C factor (ratio of soil erosion from cropped land to uncropped control) also decreased with a decrease in slope length. Similarly, the erosion:crop yield ratio decreased with a decrease in slope length, and the relative decrease was more drastic in conventional tillage than in the no-till treatment. The slope length (L) and erosion relationship fits a polynomial function (Y=c+aL+bL²). Formulae are proposed for computing the optimum terrace spacing in relation to slope gradient and tillage method. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil and Water Assessment Tool Soil Loss Simulation at the Sub‐Basin Scale in the Alt Penedès–Anoia Vineyard Region (Ne Spain) in the 2000s

This paper evaluates soil loss due to water erosion in an area of 32,362 ha with a predominant land use of vineyards (Alt Penedès–Anoia region, Catalonia, Spain). The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used incorporating daily climatic data for the period 2000–2010 and also detailed soil and land use maps. Particular attention was given to the universal soil loss equation cover and management factor (C factor) of vineyards, with a minimum value of 0·15 being determined for this crop. The model was calibrated using daily flow data for the year 2010, which yielded satisfactory results. Even so, significant differences were obtained on days with high‐intensity rainfall events, when the model overestimated runoff and peak discharge. In these vineyards, the simulated average soil losses per sub‐basin ranged between 0·13 and 9·73 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, with maximum values of between 26·32 and 42·60 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ registered in fine‐loamy soils developed on unconsolidated Tertiary marls. Other findings were related to problems associated with SWAT calibration under Mediterranean conditions characterised by major climate variability and high‐intensity rainfall events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于RUSLE模型的湟水流域土壤侵蚀时空变化

研究黄河上游土壤侵蚀的时空变化对于维持黄河上游生态系统服务功能、保护黄河上游水塔具有重要意义。以黄河上游典型区域湟水流域为研究区,采用RUSLE模型定量评估了该流域2000—2015年土壤侵蚀的时空变化特征,并分析了有无梯田措施下土壤侵蚀的空间变化,从而量化了梯田建设对防治坡面土壤侵蚀的影响。结果表明:2000—2015年,湟水流域的土壤侵蚀强度整体呈现减小趋势,侵蚀模数由1 183 t/(km~2·a)降低至940 t/(km~2·a),减少幅度为20.54%。不同土地利用类型以及不同坡度下的土壤侵蚀强度均有所降低,其中耕地上的减幅最大为20.58%。15°～20°坡度区间的侵蚀模数减幅最显著,为23.11%。通过有无梯田措施情景模拟发现,湟水流域2015年土壤侵蚀模数由940 t/(km~2·a)降低至有梯田的837 t/(km~2·a),减少11.00%。研究结果可为流域的水土流失防治和生态环境保护提供科学依据。     

Dynamics of Runoff and Suspended Sediment Transport in a Highly Erodible Catchment on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Runoff is the key factor to understand the land degradation causing high risk of soil erosion and can reduce the water available for human societies and ecosystems. The dynamics of runoff and suspended sediment transport are not completely understood. In this study, we examined the trends, breaking point and regime changes for the runoff and sediment load at different temporal scales using 50 years of continuous observational data from a highly erodible sub‐catchment with an area of 7,325 km² in the Beiluo River basin on the Loess Plateau, China. At the annual scale, the runoff and sediment load declined significantly (p < 0·05) with decreasing rates of −0·23 mm y⁻¹ and −164·9 Mg km⁻² y⁻¹, respectively. Abrupt changes in the runoff and sediment load series were detected between 1979 and 1999; thus, the data were divided into intervals of 1960–1979, 1980–1999 and 2000–2009. The flow duration curve analysis indicated increasing low‐flow values and decreasing daily runoff and sediment discharge peaks, which suggested that soil and water conservation measures reduced the volume of runoff and the sediment load. This led to a more uniform runoff regime. At the flood event scale, we investigated the relationship between runoff and the suspended sediment load based on 123 flood events, which showed clearly that the magnitude and frequency of hyper‐concentrated sediment flows decreased in 2000–2009 compared with 1960–1999. The annual erosive rainfall exhibited non‐significant changes throughout the entire study period. We conclude that soil and water conservation measures (e.g. afforestation, grassing, terraces and check dams) have played major roles in the changes in runoff and the sediment load in the Beiluo River catchment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using Cs‐137 fingerprinting technique to estimate sediment deposition and erosion rates from Yongkang depression in the karst region of Southwest China

Understanding the erosion and deposition rates is very important for designing soil and water conservation measures. However, existing methods of assessing the rates of soil loss present many limitations and are difficult to apply to in karst areas, and there is still very little data in this areas. Karst depressions comprise geomorphologically important sources and sinks for sediments and can provide the long‐term history records of environmental changes. But there have been few similar studies focused on its sediments in the world. In this paper, the Cs‐137 technique was employed to estimate the sediment deposition rate of karst depression to assess the surface erosion. The results indicate that the average deposition rate, deposition amount and specific deposit yield for the Yongkang catchments since 1963 were estimated to be 4·32 mm y⁻¹, 3·16 t y⁻¹and 20·53 t km⁻² y⁻¹, respectively. The results obtained were consistent with the actual monitoring data of local runoff plots, and confirm the validity of the overall approach. So it was suggested that the mean specific sediment yields of 20 t km⁻² y⁻¹ can be representative of the soil loss rates in the regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

植被覆盖和降雨因子变化及对东北黑土区土壤侵蚀的影响

[目的]研究东北黑土区植被覆盖和降雨侵蚀力因子对土壤侵蚀时空变化的影响程度,为该区水土流失治理和可持续发展提供科学依据.[方法]运用修正后的通用土壤流失方程(RUSLE)得到了2000-2018年东北黑土区土壤侵蚀分布特征,并探究土壤侵蚀模数与因子时空分布变化规律,得出侵蚀模数对于植被覆盖和降雨侵蚀力因子变化的敏感性....