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.     

Assessment of soil erosion hazard and prioritization for treatment at the watershed level: Case study in the Chemoga watershed,Blue Nile basin,Ethiopia

Soil erosion by water is the most pressing environmental problem in Ethiopia, particularly in the Highlands where the topography is highly rugged, population pressure is high, steeplands are cultivated and rainfall is erosive. Soil conservation is critically required in these areas. The objective of this study was to assess soil erosion hazard in a typical highland watershed (the Chemoga watershed) and demonstrate that a simple erosion assessment model, the universal soil loss equation (USLE), integrated with satellite remote sensing and geographical information systems can provide useful tools for conservation decision‐making. Monthly precipitation, soil map, a 30‐m digital elevation model derived from topographic map, land‐cover map produced from supervised classification of a Land Sat image, and land use types and slope steepness were used to determine the USLE factor values. The results show that a larger part of the watershed (>58 per cent of total) suffers from a severe or very severe erosion risk (>80 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹), mainly in the midstream and upstream parts where steeplands are cultivated or overgrazed. In about 25 per cent of the watershed, soil erosion was estimated to exceed 125 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. Based on the predicted soil erosion rates, the watershed was divided into six priority categories for conservation intervention and 18 micro‐watersheds were identified that may be used as planning units. Finally, the method used has yielded a fairly reliable estimation of soil loss rates and delineation of erosion‐prone areas. Hence, a similar method can be used in other watersheds to prepare conservation master plans and enable efficient use of limited resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Land use and soil erosion in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River: some socio‐economic considerations on China's Grain‐for‐Green Programme

Soil erosion in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China is a major concern and the Central Government has initiated the Grain‐for‐Green Programme to convert farmland to forests and grassland to improve the environment. This paper analyses the relationship between land use and soil erosion in Zhongjiang, a typical agricultural county of Sichuan Province located in areas with severe soil erosion in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. In our analysis, we use the ArcGIS spatial analysis module with detailed land‐use data as well as data on slope conditions and soil erosion. Our research shows that the most serious soil erosion is occurring on agricultural land with a slope of 10∼25 degrees. Both farmland and permanent crops are affected by soil erosion, with almost the same percentage of soil erosion for corresponding slope conditions. Farmland with soil erosion accounts for 86·2 per cent of the total eroded agricultural land. In the farmland with soil erosion, 22·5 per cent have a slope of < 5 degrees, 20·3 per cent have a slope of 5∼10 degrees, and 57·1 per cent have a slope of > 10 degrees. On gentle slopes with less than 5 degrees inclination, some 6 per cent of the farmland had strong (5000∼8000 t km⁻² y⁻¹) or very strong (8000∼15000 t km⁻² y⁻¹) erosion. However, on steep slopes of more than 25 degrees, strong or very strong erosion was reported for more than 42 per cent of the farmland. These numbers explain why the task of soil and water conservation should be focused on the prevention of soil erosion on farmland with steep or very steep slopes. A Feasibility Index is developed and integrated socio‐economic assessment on the feasibility of improving sloping farmland in 56 townships and towns is carried out. Finally, to ensure the success of the Grain‐for‐Green Programme, countermeasures to improve sloping farmland and control soil erosion are proposed according to the values of the Feasibility Index in the townships and towns. These include: (1) to terrace sloping farmland on a large scale and to convert farmland with a slope of over 25 degrees to forests or grassland; (2) to develop ecological agriculture combined with improving the sloping farmland and constructing prime farmland and to pay more attention to improving the technology for irrigation and cultivation techniques; and (3) to carry out soil conservation on steep‐sloping farmland using suggested techniques. In addition, improving ecosystems and the inhabited environment through yard and garden construction for households is also an effective way to prevent soil erosion. Copyright © 2006 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.     

Assessment of soil erosion hazard in Kilie catchment,East Shoa,Ethiopia

This paper reports on a field study conducted in Kilie catchment, East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia to assess the rate of soil erosion by employing a soil loss prediction model (Universal Soil Loss Equation) integrated with in remote sensing and geographical information systems (RS/GIS), environment and gully measurement techniques. The final soil erosion risk map was produced after multiplication of the six factors involved in the USLE and RS/GIS. Gully measurement showed that the erosion rate is higher for the upland areas than the lowlands due to inappropriate soil and water conservation measures, free grazing by animals and conversion of hillside areas into farmlands. About 97·04 per cent of the study catchment falls within a range of 0–10 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ sheet/rill erosion rate. We found that 2·17 per cent of the study area in the uplands has a soil erosion rate falling between 10 and 20 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. About 0·8 per cent of the study area in the uplands is hit by severe sheet/rill erosion rate within the range of 20–60 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Gully erosion extent in the study area was evaluated through gully measurement and quantification methods. Gully density of 67 m ha⁻¹ was recorded in the catchment. The gully to plot area ratio was found to be 0·14 on average. Hence, in the upland areas, sustainable land management practices are required in order to reduce the rate of soil erosion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The assessment of soil loss by water erosion in China

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem in China. Planning for soil erosion control requires accurate soil erosion rate and spatial distribution information. The aim of this article is to present the methods and results of the national soil erosion survey of China completed in 2011. A multi-stage, unequal probability, systematic area sampling method was employed. A total of 32,948 sample units, which were either 0.2–3 km² small catchments or 1 km² grids, were investigated on site. Soil erosion rates were calculated with the Chinese Soil Loss Equation in 10 m by 10 m grids for each sample unit, along with the area of soil loss exceeding the soil loss tolerance and the proportion of area in excess of soil loss tolerance relative to the total land area of the sample units. Maps were created by using a spatial interpolation method at national, river basin, and provincial scales. Results showed that the calculated average soil erosion rate was 5 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in China, and was 18.2 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for sloped, cultivated cropland. Intensive soil erosion occurred on cropland, overgrazing grassland, and sparsely forested land. The proportions of soil loss tolerance exceedance areas of sample units were interpolated through the country in 250 m grids. The national average ratio was 13.5%, which represents the area of land in China that requires the implementation of soil conservation practices. These survey results and the maps provide the basic information for national conservation planning and policymaking.     

A conditional GIS‐interpolation‐based model for mapping soil‐water erosion processes in Lebanon

Soil erosion by water is a major cause of landscape degradation in Mediterranean environments, including Lebanon. This paper proposes a conditional decision‐rule interpolation‐based model to predict the distribution of multiple erosion processes (i.e. sheet, mass and linear) in a representative area of Lebanon from the measured erosion signs in the field (root exposure, earth pillars, soil etching and drift and linear channels). First, erosion proxies were derived from the structural OASIS classification of Landsat thematic mapper (TM) imageries combined with the addition of several thematic erosion maps (slope gradient, aspect and curvature, drainage density, vegetal cover, soil infiltration and erodibility and rock infiltration/movement) under a geographic information systems (GIS) environment. Second, erosion signs were measured in the field, and interpolated by the statistical moments (means and variance) in the defined erosion proxies, thus producing quantitative erosion maps (t ha⁻¹) at a scale of 1:100 000. Seven decision rules were then generated and applied on these maps in order to produce the overall decisive erosion map reflecting all existing erosion processes, that is, equality (ER), dominance (DOR), bimodality (BR), masking (MR), aggravating (AR), dependence (DER) and independence (IR). The produced erosion maps are divided into seven classes ranging between 0 and more than 1·8 t ha⁻¹ for sheet erosion, and 0 and more than 10·5 t ha⁻¹ for mass and linear erosion. They are fairly matching with coincidences values equal to 43 per cent (sheet/linear), 48 per cent (sheet/mass) and 49 per cent (linear/mass). The overall accuracies of these maps were estimated to be 76 per cent (sheet erosion), 78 per cent (mass erosion) and 78·5 per cent (linear erosion). The overall decisive erosion map with 15 classes corresponds well to land management needs. The model used is relatively simple, and may also be applied to other areas. It is particularly useful when GIS database on factors influencing erosion is limited. Copyright © 2007 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.     

Effects of vertical hedge interval of vetiver grass on erosion on steep agricultural lands

Vetiver grass is widely used to reduce soil erosion and has been applied in many areas of the world. However, studies of the effect of vertical hedge intervals on runoff, soil loss and outflow sediment size distribution under a steep slope area are rare. The vetiver grass system (VGS) with three vertical hedge intervals (0·75, 1·5 and 3 m) and no hedgerow were tested at three land slopes (30, 40 and 50 per cent) under three simulated rainfall intensities (60, 85 and 110 mm h⁻¹). It has been observed that vetiver grass (Vetiveria nemoralis) has great potential for reducing runoff and soil loss by about 38·7–68·6 and 56·2–87·9 per cent, respectively. The vetiver strips delayed incipient runoff and reduced peak runoff rate and steady erosion rate. The land slope affected soil loss but did not have a significant effect on runoff. A narrow vetiver hedge interval slightly reduced runoff and soil loss more than a wider one. The soil loss equation obtained in this study revealed that runoff has a higher effect on soil loss. The median sediment size that passed through the vetiver strip increased with rainfall intensity and was mostly dominated by very fine sand, silt and clay. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tillage erosion,water erosion and soil quality on cultivated terraces near Xifeng in the Loess Plateau,China

This study sought to contribute to the understanding of soil redistribution by tillage on terraces and the extent and causes of within-field variation in soil properties by examining the spatial distributions of soil redistribution rates, derived using caesium-137, and of total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations, within a ribbon and a shoulder terrace in a yuan area of the Loess Plateau of China. Additional water erosion rate data were obtained for nine other terraces. Water erosion rates on the ribbon terraces were low (<1 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹), unless slope tangents exceeded 0·1. However, despite the use of animal traction, high rates of tillage erosion were observed (mean 5·5 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹). Soil nitrogen concentrations were related to rates of soil redistribution by tillage on the ribbon terrace examined in detail. In general, higher rates of water erosion (0·5–2·9 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹) and lower rates of tillage erosion (mean 1·4 kg m⁻² yr⁻¹) were evident on the longer shoulder terraces. On the shoulder terrace examined in detail, soil phosphorus concentrations were related to net rates of soil redistribution. A statistically significant regression relationship between water erosion rates and the USLE length and slope factor was used in conjunction with the simulation of tillage erosion rates to evaluate a range of terrace designs. It is suggested that off-site impacts of erosion could be further reduced by ensuring that the slope tangents are kept below 0·06 and lengths below 30 m, especially on the shoulder terraces. Tillage erosion and the systematic redistribution of soil nutrients could be reduced by modification of the contour-cultivation technique to turn soil in opposing directions in alternate years. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil Conservation in Europe: Wish or Reality?

Nearly all of Europe is affected by soil erosion. A major policy response is required to reverse the impacts of erosion in degraded areas, particularly in light of the current climate change and water crisis. Soil loss occurs not because of any lack of knowledge on how to protect soils, but a lack in policy governance. The average rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in Europe is 2·46 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. To mitigate the impacts of soil erosion, the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy has introduced conservation measures which reduce soil loss by water erosion by 20% in arable lands. Further economic and political action should rebrand the value of soil as part of ecosystem services, increase the income of rural land owners, involve young farmers and organize regional services for licensing land use changes. In a changing World of 9 billion people with the challenge of climate change, water scarcity and depletion of soil fertility, the agriculture economy should evolve taking into account environmental and ecological aspects. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Land Degradation & Development Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Soil Erosion Assessment in Kondoa Eroded Area in Tanzania using Universal Soil Loss Equation,Geographic Information Systems and Socioeconomic Approach

Soil conservation measures including cutoff drains, tree planting, Crops diversifications and destocking were implemented in Kondoa eroded area (KEA) for decades. This study assessed soil erosion changes in KEA and examined drivers of changes using Universal Soil Loss Equation, Geographic Information Systems and socioeconomic survey. Soil erosion was predicted by using data on soil, digital elevation model, rainfall and land use/cover visually interpreted from multitemporal satellite imageries. The predicted average soil erosions were 14·7, 23 and 15.7 Mg ha⁻¹y⁻¹ during 1973, 1986 and 2008, respectively. The area under very high soil erosion severity that was 30% in 1973, 26% in 1986 and 25% in 2008, whereas the area with high erosion severity was 26% in 1973 changed into 49% in 1986 and 2008 indicating recent stabilization. The area with moderate erosion increased from 15%, 16% and 18% during the same period. Field survey confirms a decrease of soil erosion in KEA compared with the past showing better soil conservation. Age of farmers, long‐term adoption of conservation practices and on‐farm tree planting were found to be the major factors contributing toward reduced soil erosion. Major limitations in soil conservation were poor mainstreaming of conservation activities on local production systems and lack of institutions promoting conservation at the community level. The study concluded that long‐term conservation investment for restoration, protection and socioeconomic support contributes significantly in land rehabilitation in KEA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Monitoring of soil erosion and assessment for contribution of sediments to rivers in a typical watershed of the Upper Yangtze River Basin

An assessment of the effectiveness of soil conservation practices is very important for watershed management, but the measurement over a small area does not necessarily represent the truth over a large area. Monitoring of soil erosion and analysis of sediment delivery were carried out in the Lizixi watershed (which is typical of the Upper Yangtze Basin, China), using remote sensing and a geographic information system (GIS). Land‐use and land‐cover maps were prepared by an interpretation of 1986 and 1999 images from SPOT and Landsat TM. Slope‐gradient maps were created from digital elevation model (DEM), while merged images of SPOT and Landsat TM were used to obtain land‐use information. The area of soil erosion was classified by an integration of slope gradients, land‐use types and vegetation cover rates, and soil erosion rates and their changes were calculated in a grid‐based analysis using an Erdas GIS. The change in sediment delivery ratio was estimated based on the changes in soil erosion rates from both monitoring and the truth survey. There was a reduction in soil erosion rate of 4·22 per cent during a 13‐year period after soil conservation practices were adopted in the Lizixi watershed. The amount of sediments transported into rivers has decreased by 51·08 per cent during the same period due to an integrated application of biological and engineering measures. The comparison of soil erosion severity between pre‐conservation and post‐conservation revealed that soil loss has been obviously diminished and the measures were quite effective. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling Soil Detachment of Different Management Practices in the Red Soil Region of China

Soil erosion from cropland is a primary cause of soil degradation in the hilly red soil region of China. Soil characteristics and the resistance of soil to erosion agents can be improved with appropriate management practices. In this study, hydraulic flume experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of five management practices [manure fertilizer (PM), straw mulch cover (PC), peanut–orange intercropping (PO), peanut–radish rotation (PR) and traditional farrow peanut (PF)] on soil detachment. Based on the results, three conservation management practices (PC, PM and PO) increased the resistance of soil to concentrated flow erosion. The rill erodibility of different treatments was ranked as follows: PC (0·001 s m⁻¹) < PM (0·004 s m⁻¹) < PO (0·007 s m⁻¹) < PF (0·01 s m⁻¹) < PR (0·027 s m⁻¹). The rill erodibility was affected by soil organic content, aggregate stability and bulk density. The soil detachment rate was closely correlated with the flow discharge and slope gradient, and power functions for these two factors were developed to evaluate soil detachment rates. Additionally, the shear stress, stream power and unit stream power were compared when estimating the soil detachment rate. The power functions of stream power and shear stress were equivalent, and both are recommended to predict detachment rates. Local soil conservation can benefit from the results of this study with improved predictions of erosion on croplands in the red soil region of China. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于径流小区实测的干热河谷土壤侵蚀荟萃分析

为详细了解干热河谷地区的土壤侵蚀状况,通过对径流小区资料的广泛收集、整理和标准化分析,对干热河谷主要土地利用类型的土壤侵蚀模数和水土保持措施效益进行定量评价,并将当地主要土地利用类型平均坡度下的土壤侵蚀模数与容许土壤流失量进行对比分析。结果表明:(1)灌草地、农地、园地和裸地等主要土地利用类型标准坡长坡度条件下的土壤侵蚀模数分别为110.88,389.58,320.66,507.87 t/(km²·a),呈现出裸地最大,农地和园地次之,灌草地最低的特点。(2)封禁、水平阶整地、梯田和植物篱等水土保持措施均能较好地发挥水土保持效益,平均可以减少72%的土壤侵蚀量。(3)各流域主要土地利用类型,特别是农地和园地在当地平均坡度下的土壤侵蚀模数明显高于容许土壤流失量,说明该地区土壤侵蚀状况仍相当严峻。研究结果将有助于进一步深化对干热河谷地区土壤侵蚀规律的认识,并为后续水土流失治理和水土保持措施优化配置提供技术支撑。     

The critical role of human activities in land degradation in Rwanda

Agriculture on steep land is widespread in Rwanda. Conservation strategies, such as grass strips and terracing, were introduced by the government and international agencies to lower soil losses due to fluvial processes in this fragile setting. Minimal attention has been given to assessing soil losses due to farming activities or to developing conservation strategies to control soil erosion resulting from these human activities. This study evaluates soil losses resulting from both runoff and human activities in a densely populated region of northwestern Rwanda. During a 4-year period, 11 Wischmeier-type plots were cultivated with the typical local crops. Grass strips and grass/shrub strips were planted at 5-m intervals on eight of these plots. Five meters is the common spacing of this government-encouraged conservation practice. These strips were found to be useful for reducing soil loss from runoff, but they were relatively ineffective in curtailing soil losses resulting from human activities associated with the local farming system. The soil loss on the cultivated plots, resulting from activities such as hoeing, averaged over 68·2 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Unless conservation strategies curtail human induced soil losses as well as those due to fluvial processes, the land resource will continue to degrade and farmland will cease to be productive in the study area.     

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 erosion assessment of Lake Alemaya catchment,Ethiopia

Land degradation due to soil erosion is the major problem facing Ethiopia today. In the Lake Alemaya catchment soil erosion is caused by the intense rainfall, steep topography, and poor vegetation cover coupled with cultivation of steep lands, and inadequate conservation practices. Sediment from the catchment has affected the storage capacity of Lake Alemaya. This study has integrated the Agricultural Non‐point Source Pollution Model (AGNPS) and the technique of the Gographic Information System (GIS) to quantify soil erosion in the Lake Alemaya catchment. After application of the AGNPS, it appears that 66 per cent of the catchment has a soil erosion rate of 10 to more than 80 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. The annual soil loss is estimated at 31 t ha⁻¹, which is more than the permissible value of 1–16 t ha⁻¹ for different agro‐ecological zones of Ethiopia. The sediment yield of the catchment is about 10 148 ton with a delivery ratio of 6·82 per cent. Therefore, an effective management plan is needed for the conservation and rehabilitation of the catchment and to maintain the storage capacity of Lake Alemaya. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Farmers' perceptions of soil erosion and its consequences in India's semiarid tropics

This paper investigates farmers' perceptions of soil erosion and how it affects crop yields, land values, and private conservation investments in India's semiarid tropics. It is based on three types of data: (1) a survey of farmers in three study villages; (2) a plot survey by a professional soil surveyor in the same villages; and (3) experimental and simulated data from nearby research stations with similar conditions. Farmers' perceptions of erosion are compared to the surveyor's using kappa, a statistical measure of interrater agreement. Perceived erosion–yield relationships are estimated econometrically and compared to experimental and simulated data. Effects on land values and conservation investments are estimated econometrically. Findings suggest that farmers are keenly aware of rill erosion but less aware of sheet erosion; kappa values ranging from 0 to 0·28 suggest low agreement with the soil surveyor. They anticipate annual yield losses of 5·8–11 per cent due to rill erosion; these figures are reasonably consistent with those from nearby research stations. They anticipate yield increases of 3·8–14·5 per cent due to installation of soil conservation bunds, largely because they can harvest soil from up the slope and capture organic matter. Perceived erosion has some effect on land values and soil conservation investments, but other factors such as irrigation and soil type have a much greater effect. These findings suggest that promoting soil conservation requires capitalizing on farmers' interest in short‐term gains, such as from water and nutrient management. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于RUSLE模型的孙水河流域土壤侵蚀空间分异特征

土壤侵蚀一直是我国开展区域生态环境治理所关注的热点问题之一。在RS和GIS技术支持下,基于RUSLE模型分析了凉山州孙水河流域不同土地利用类型、海拔和坡度条件下土壤侵蚀强度的特征,定量评价了研究区土壤侵蚀空间特征。结果表明:孙水河流域平均土壤侵蚀模数为1 954.32 t/(km~2·a),土壤侵蚀严重区域主要集中于孙水河干流及其支流沿岸;坡耕地和中覆盖草地是流域内主要侵蚀土地利用类型;海拔2 000～3 000 m流域土壤侵蚀较为严重,平均土壤侵蚀模数超过2 000 t/(km~2·a);当坡度低于25°时,土壤侵蚀模数随着坡度的增加而增大,15°～25°是该流域侵蚀最为严重的地带。研究成果可服务于凉山州孙水河流域水土保持治理工作,为实现乡村振兴提供一定理论支持。