A study of the effects of land use changes on soil physical properties and organic matter

Changes in land use can significantly affect soil properties. This study was conducted in the Taleghan watershed of Tehran Province, Iran, to determine the effects of land use changes on soil organic matter (SOM) and soil physical properties including soil aggregate stability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate, available water content, total porosity and bulk density (BD). In the present study, two sites contained adjacent land uses of natural pasture and dryland farming were selected. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0–15 and 15–30 cm for each land use. The results indicated that the conversion of natural pasture to dryland farming led to a significant decrease in SOM at 0–30 cm in the first and second sites (24.7 and 44.2%, respectively). In addition, a significant increase in BD was observed at a depth of 0–30 cm in dryland farm soils (1.39 g cm^–3) compared to pastureland (1.20 g cm^–3) at the first site. An increase in BD was also observed at the same depth of dryland farm soils (1.46 g cm^–3) and pastureland soils (1.42 g cm^–3) at the second site. In addition, total porosity, mean‐weight diameter of aggregates, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water content and estimated final infiltration rate showed significant differences between land uses. The results showed that the conversion of natural pasture to dryland farming alters soil properties that negatively affect soil productivity and erodibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of cultivation on physical and chemical properties of a Vertisol in middle Awash Valley,Ethiopia

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to study physical and chemical change at two adjacent soil sites, one used for irrigated cotton since 1972 (cultivated) and the other for traditional grazing and browsing (uncultivated). The soil at each site, a clayey Vertisol was described and sampled for physical and chemical analyses. The result showed that the surface layer of the uncultivated soil was denser and more compact than that of the cultivated soil. Soil porosity and moisture build‐up were lower in the uncultivated than in the cultivated soil. Due to percolation of irrigation water and leaching of soluble salts, salinity, concentration of soluble cations, anions, and exchangeable cations were slightly higher at the lower soil depths in the cultivated than in the uncultivated soil. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) also followed the same trend. Correlation coefficient between the values of electrical conductivity, soluble and exchangeable cations, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and ESP were more significant for the cultivated than for the uncultivated soil. Cultivation has reduced organic matter levels by 15%.     

Soil properties influencing erodibility of soils in the Ntabelanga area,Eastern Cape Province,South Africa

Soil erosion has serious off-site impacts caused by increased mobilization of sediment and delivery to water bodies causing siltation and pollution. To evaluate factors influencing soil erodibility at a proposed dam site, 21 soil samples collected were characterized. The soils were analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC), exchangeable bases, exchangeable acidity, pH, electrical conductivities, mean weight diameter and soil particles’ size distribution. Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, dispersion ratio (DR), clay flocculation index (CFI), clay dispersion ratio (CDR) and Ca:Mg ratio were then calculated. Soil erodibility (K-factor) estimates were determined using SOC content and surface soil properties. Soil loss rates by splashing were determined under rainfall simulations at 360?mmh^?1 rainfall intensity. Soil loss was correlated to the measured chemical and physical soil properties. There were variations in soil form properties and erodibility indices showing influence on soil loss. The average soil erodibility and SOC values were 0.0734?t?MJ^?1?mm^?1 and 0.81%, respectively. SOC decreased with depth and soil loss increased with a decrease in SOC content. SOC significantly influenced soil loss, CDR, CFI and DR (P??1. Addition of organic matter stabilize the soils against erosion.     

Concentration Changes of Cd, Ni and Zn in Sugarcane Cultivated Soils

In the southwest of Iran over 130,000 ha of land are under sugarcane (Saccarum officinarum). In these sugarcane fields, about 400 kg ha^?1 diamonium phosphate (DAP) and 400 kg ha^?1 urea are applied annually. Four sugarcane growing sites were selected for this study: Haft-tapeh, Karoon, Shoeibieh and Ghazali with cultivation histories of 36, 20, 2 and 1 years, respectively. For each area, soil samples (0–30 cm) were taken from a transect of uncultivated, and both furrows and ridges of cultivated land. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, clay, and calcium carbonate and organic carbon (OC) contents, Cl, Cd, Ni and Zn of 101 soil samples were measured. Cadmium profile distribution to a soil depth of 300 cm was determined, and the heavy metal concentrations in sugarcane and the associated soil samples of the three sugarcane sites were measured. The Cd and Ni contents among the sugarcane sites differed where Cd was related to clay content and Ni was related to OC content of soils. Cadmium content in sugarcane cultivated soil was lower compared to uncultivated soil even after years of application of P fertilizers. Nickel and Cd contents of sugarcane were much higher than levels in top soils but there was no significant relationship between Cd or Ni contents of sugarcane and soil chemical properties. The Zn content of soils decreased as either EC or Cl concentration of soils increased. There were no significant differences in Zn contents between different sugarcane sites and also between cultivated and uncultivated soils. Results also indicated that Cd was accumulated in bagasse and Ni was primarily accumulated in bagasse and molasses, but these heavy metals of white sugar were lower than the detectable values.     

Conserved chemical properties of young humic acid fractions in tropical lowland soil under intensive irrigated rice cropping

Increasing cropping intensity (i.e. number of crops per year) of irrigated rice seems to cause an accumulation of phenolic compounds in the soil organic matter (SOM). We have studied the chemical nature of SOM in a broad range of soil types at different sites with long-term double- and triple-crop irrigated rice trials. Accumulation of phenols, as measured by ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, was found in both the mobile humic acid (MHA) and calcium humate (CaHA) fractions at all sites, regardless of soil type, hydrology during the fallow, and with and without inorganic fertilizer or green manures. Although phenols accumulated consistently in MHA and CaHA, the C, N and hydrolysable amino acid concentrations, degree of humification and amounts of MHA and CaHA were significantly altered by crop management, and they varied from site to site. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the accumulation of phenols is a characteristic of the anaerobic, or nearly anaerobic, soil conditions that exist at the initial stages of SOM formation in submerged irrigated rice soils. By contrast, other SOM properties are additionally influenced by soil conditions that govern the degradation and turnover of existing SOM. The chemical properties of MHA and CaHA indicated that they are labile, and the quantities of these HA fractions were more sensitive to recent management than were total soil C or N.     

The relationships between erodibility and erosion in a soil treated with two organic amendments

The influence of two organic wastes, cotton gin crushed compost (CC) and beet vinasse (BV) applied for 5 years on a Typic Xerofluvent under dryland conditions near to Sevilla city (Guadalquivir River Valley, Andalusia, Spain) on soil erodibility (K factor of the USLE and RUSLE) and soil loss was studied. CC and BV were applied at rates of 1780, 5340, and 10,680 kg ha⁻¹ (expressed as organic matter content). When CC was applied to the soil, erodibility factor (K) is correlated with soil loss, highlighting a decrease in K and soil loss when increased the dose of CC applied to the soil. In this respect, K decreased 17% in CC-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experiment, and soil loss decreased 36% in CC-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experiment and for 45 min and 60 mm h⁻¹. However, when BV was applied, soil physical and biological properties decreased. K decreased 6.4% in BV-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experiment, and soil loss increased 59.7% in BV-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experimental period and for 45 min and 60 mm h⁻¹. We think that this is because the higher level of Na⁺ (and possibly of fulvic acids) in BV increased the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and reduced structural stability of BV-amended soil, leading to higher soil loss. This explains the relatively higher soil loss in BV-amended soils. These results contradict many previous reports in which soil organic matter prevented soil loss. For this reason, the equation of soil erodibility (K factor of USLE and RUSLE) must have in consideration other aspects such as the chemical composition of the soil organic matter as well as the soil structural stability.     

Influence of exchangeable potassium on soil erodibility

Abstract. Regular application of slurry manure in large quantities is thought to degrade soil structure and increase erodibility. One hypothesis links this to the large input of potassium which increases the exchangeable potassium percentage (EPP) and, thereby, dispersion. The effect of EPP on erodibility was quantified in three experiments. In the laboratory, eleven rainfall experiments were conducted using a silty topsoil from a typic Hapludalf which was fertilized to EPPs of 4 to 18%. Field rainfall experiments on 22 Inceptisols and Alfisols were used to examine whether the long-term application of monovalent cations (Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄⁺) with slurry manure had changed soil properties, especially erodibility. In addition, erodibilities of 32 soils determined with natural and simulated rains were taken from literature. The experiments on these 65 soils together covered a wide range of soils, slopes and rainfalls. Dispersion by a large percentage of highly hydrated ions (K⁺, Na⁺) reduced the infiltration rate faster, caused runoff up to 5 min earlier, and increased sediment concentrations by 15g/l compared to low EPP soils. These changes increased soil erodibility of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) by 0.021 t × h/N × ha (where N = Newtons) for each 1% increase in EPP + ESP (exchangeable sodium percentage). The ESP contributed little to this increase as ESP was less than 1/10 of EPP in the experiments.
Fields with long-term manure application had similar chemical, physical and microbiological soil properties as fields without slurry manure except for slightly greater pH (+ 0.6) and P (+ 17 mg/kg) values. We conclude that, as long as the potassium input and output are balanced, the long-term use of slurry manure does not increase erodibility.     

Anthropogenic effects on soil quality of ancient agricultural systems of the American Southwest

Soil studies of ancient agricultural fields contribute to research on long-term human–environmental relationships and land use sustainability. This kind of research is especially applicable in desert landscapes of the American Southwest because: (1) soil formation is slow enough that cultivation effects persist for centuries to millennia; (2) many ancient fields in valley margins have remained uncultivated since they were abandoned, so long-term soil properties reflect ancient agricultural use; and (3) agricultural features (e.g., terraces, rock alignments and rock piles, and irrigation canals) provide clues for identifying and sampling ancient cultivated and uncultivated soils. Surficial remnants of these field systems persist and remain intact in many cases. Soil studies of ancient and modern American Indian agricultural systems across the Southwest indicate that soil changes are highly variable, ranging from degradation (e.g., organic matter/nutrient decline, compaction), to minimal net change, to enhanced soil quality. Soil changes caused by cultivation can be inferred by comparing soils in agricultural fields relative to reference uncultivated areas in similar landscape settings (that is, space-for-time substitution). Soil response trajectories vary for a number of reasons, such as variability in initial ecosystem conditions, diversity in agricultural methods, variability in the mix of crops and cropping intensity, and environmental sensitivity to alteration (varying resistance and resilience). Studies of rock mulch soils indicate enhanced fertility, with elevated organic carbon, nitrogen, and available phosphorus levels, increased infiltration rates and moisture retention, and no evidence of compaction. By contrast, cultivation effects vary widely for terraced soils. Although numerous studies have focused on irrigation canals, irrigated soils have received far less attention. Soil studies of irrigation systems along the Gila and Santa Cruz rivers of Arizona now underway will help fill this research gap.     

Characterization of Soil Phosphorus in Differently Managed Clay Soil by Chemical Extraction Methods and 31P NMR Spectroscopy

Changes in land use alter the natural cycling of phosphorus (P) in soil. Understanding the chemical nature of these changes is important when developing sustainable management practices for cultivated soils. In this study, we evaluated the ability of commonly used laboratory methods to characterize land use–induced changes in various P pools. Also, the characteristics of soil P revealed by different methods are discussed. Soil samples were taken from three differently managed field plots of the same clay soil: uncultivated grassland and organic and conventional crop rotations. Soil P reserves were characterized using Chang and Jackson and Hedley sequential fractionation procedures and by sodium hydroxide (NaOH)–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extraction followed by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Both of the tested fractionation methods identified differences in the P pools and provided evidence regarding land use–induced changes. However, the ³¹P NMR analysis suggests that the quality of organic P in this soil was not affected by the change in land use.     

模拟降雨条件下碱性坡地土壤侵蚀试验

 采用室内人工降丨射模拟试验,研究降雨强度为50 mm/h时不问坡度（5°、15°、25°)和不同土壤（土壤的可交换钠比例ESP值分别为2.4和25)对土壤人渗率和侵蚀缺的影响。结果表明：1)不问坡度和不同土壤的径流模数随降雨历时急剧增加,后于平稳,人渗率和侵蚀产沙量随降雨历时急剧减小,趋于某一稳定值;2) 土壤ESP值水平一定时,入渗率和累计人渗量都随着坡度的增大而增加,侵蚀产沙坩随笤坡度的增大先增加后减小,在15° -25°之间存在着侵蚀的临界坡度;3)坡度一定时,径流模数随着 ESP值的增加而增加,稳定人渗率和累计人渗量随卷ESP值的增加而减小;4) 土壤的ESP值水平对侵蚀产沙量的影响随坡度不同而不同,坡度为5°和15°时,同一坡度的侵蚀产沙量随ESP值的加大而减小,当坡度为25°时,核蚀产沙量随ESP值的加大而增大,说明坡度较大时,土壤ESP值的增大更容易引起土壤侵蚀。     

青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值的空间分布特征

土壤可蚀性反映了土壤对水力侵蚀作用的敏感性,是进行土壤侵蚀评价和预报的重要参数。收集了青藏高原1 255个典型土壤剖面资料,采用模型计算和面积加权分析方法确定了每一个土壤亚类的土壤可蚀性K值,结合青藏高原1∶100万土壤类型图,分析了青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值的空间格局特征。结果表明,青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值平均为0.230 8,低可蚀性、较低可蚀性、中等可蚀性、较高可蚀性和高可蚀性土壤面积分别占该区面积的5.60%,18.23%,24.35%,44.02%和7.80%。土壤可蚀性以中等可蚀性和较高可蚀性为主,二者分布面积之和达1.77×106 km2,占青藏高原总面积的68.37%;较高可蚀性、高可蚀性土壤主要分布在青藏高原中西部的羌塘高原、柴达木盆地和横断山区的低海拔河谷中。青藏高原土壤可蚀性K值具有明显的垂直分异特征,在横断山区最为显著,土壤可蚀性随海拔高度升高而降低。不同海拔高度的水热分异影响了土壤的理化特性,进而决定了青藏高原土壤可蚀性的垂直分带特征。     

Changes in chemical properties of organic matter with intensified rice cropping in tropical lowland soil

Rice systems in Asia have intensified rapidly in the past 30 years, and significant areas of irrigated lowland rice are now supporting two or three rice crops per year. Our objective was to compare the chemical composition of soil organic matter (SOM) from four fields with different histories of rice cropping intensity and soil submergence: (i) a single-crop rainfed, dryland rice system without soil submergence, (ii) an irrigated rice and soybean rotation, and irrigated (iii) double- or (iv) triple-crop rice systems in which soil remains submerged during much of the year. In all four soils, extracted mobile humic acid (MHA) and calcium humate (CaHA) fractions were of modern age by ¹⁴C-dating, and represented about 20% of total N and organic C. The MHA was enriched in N and hydrolysable amino acids (AA) compared with CaHA in all soils. With increased frequency of irrigated rice cropping, however, there was a large increase in phenolic content of SOM. We speculate that slower lignin decomposition caused by deficiency of O₂ in submerged soil leads to incorporation of phenolic moieties into young SOM fractions. The increased phenolic character of these fractions may influence N cycling and the N supplying capacity of lowland soils supporting two or three annual crops of irrigated rice.     

不同海拔对干热河谷地区土壤理化性质及可蚀性的影响

以四川省宁南县金沙江下游的河谷地带为研究区域,选择不同海拔下的土壤为研究对象,通过室内测试分析,并运用统计和相关分析等方法,研究不同海拔下的土壤可蚀性变异特征。结果表明,在干热河谷区,海拔对土壤理化性质、机械组成、可蚀性影响显著。在低海拔干热风影响较大的区域,随着海拔的升高,土壤理化性质逐步改善;海拔1 005 m以上地区,干热风影响减弱,土壤理化性质和可蚀性出现转折点,其中理化性质有所降低并趋于稳定,可蚀性显著降低,抗蚀性能显著增强;海拔1 235~1 400 m之间可以作为干热风影响的过渡区,海拔1 500 m以上干热风影响基本消失,植被类型发生变化,土壤可蚀性明显降低,抗蚀性能显著提高。研究结果表明,在金沙江干热河谷区,干热风是影响土壤可蚀性的主要因子之一,因此从水土保持角度出发,在该地区应该尽可能地减少干热风的影响,以提高土地抵抗侵蚀的能力。     

Effects of potato–grain rotations on soil erosion, carbon dynamics and properties of rangeland sandy soils

The potential for wind erosion in South Central Colorado is greatest in the spring, especially after harvesting of crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) that leave small amounts of crop residue in the surface after harvest. Therefore it is important to implement best management practices that reduce potential wind erosion and that we understand how cropping systems are impacting soil erosion, carbon dynamics, and properties of rangeland sandy soils. We evaluate the effects of cropping systems on soil physical and chemical properties of rangeland sandy soils. The cropping system included a small grain–potato rotation. An uncultivated rangeland site and three fields that two decades ago were converted from rangeland into cultivated center-pivot-irrigation-sprinkler fields were also sampled. Plant and soil samples were collected in the rangeland area and the three adjacent cultivated sites. The soils at these sites were classified as a Gunbarrel loamy sand (Mixed, frigid Typic Psammaquent). We found that for the rangeland site, soil where brush species were growing exhibited C sequestration and increases in soil organic matter (SOM) while the bare soil areas of the rangeland are losing significant amounts of fine particles, nutrients and soil organic carbon (SOM-C) mainly due to wind erosion. When we compared the cultivated sites to the uncultivated rangeland, we found that the SOM-C and soil organic matter nitrogen (SOM-N) increased with increases in crop residue returned into the soils. Our results showed that even with potato crops, which are high intensity cultivated cropping systems, we can maintain the SOM-C with a rotation of two small grain crops (all residue incorporated) and one potato crop, or potentially increase the average SOM-C with a rotation of four small grain crops (all residue incorporated) and one potato crop. Erosion losses of fine silt and clay particles were reduced with the inclusion of small grains. Small grains have the potential to contribute to the conservation of SOM and/or sequester SOM-C and SOM-N for these rangeland systems that have very low C content and that are also losing C from their bare soils areas (40%). Cultivation of these rangelands using rotations with at least two small grain crops can reduce erosion and maintain SOM-C and increasing the number of small grain crops grown successfully in rotation above two will potentially contribute to C and N sequestration as SOM and to the sequestration of macro- and micro-nutrients.     

The effect of natural zeolites and organic fertilisers on the characteristics of degraded soils and yield of crops grown in Western Serbia

Soils with unfavourable characteristics (pronounced acidity, disturbed structure, compaction, exhaustion, tiredness, etc.) cover a considerable area of Serbia. Specific crops, the fruit ones in particular, are being grown on these soils, yielding, however, considerably lower yields. The paper presents results of two‐year studies on the effect of natural zeolites, organic fertiliser—cattle manure and mineral NPK fertiliser (15:15:15) on soil properties and fruit yield and fruit properties of strawberry and blackberry plants grown on shallow eroded vertisol. The results have shown that the chemical properties of the soil improved with the natural zeolite ‘Agrozel’ (1 kg m⁻²) + Manure (1 kg m⁻²) treatment—resulting in a 0·94‐unit acidity decrease and a 0·58% humus content increase at a 0–20 cm soil depth. Positive but less pronounced changes were also detected at greater soil depths. The strawberry and blackberry cultivation in these soils using the above substances gave rise to a yield increase. In the second year of study, strawberry and blackberry yields increased by 13·15% and 6·27%, respectively. Basic chemical properties of strawberry and blackberry fruits (soluble solids and total acid contents) were not significantly affected by zeolite and organic fertiliser additions to the soil. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Changes in Microbial Functional Diversity and Activity in Paddy Soils Irrigated with Industrial Wastewaters in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia

Characteristics, such as microbial biomass, basal respiration, and functional diversity of the microbial communities, were investigated in paddy soils located in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia, that have been heavily polluted by industrial effluents for 31 years. Paddy soil samples (10?C20 cm) were taken from two sites: polluted soils and unpolluted soils (as control sites). The polluted soils contained higher salinity, higher sodicity, higher nutrient contents, and elevated levels of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn) than unpolluted soils. Soil physicochemical properties, such as maximum water holding capacity, exchangeable sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, and swelling factor, in polluted soils were much greater than those in unpolluted soils (P?<?0.05). Changes in the physical and chemical soil properties were reflected by changes in the microbial communities and their activities. BIOLOG analysis indicated that the functional diversity of the microbial community of polluted soils increased and differed from that of unpolluted soils. Likewise, the average rate of color development (average well color development), microbial biomass (measured as DNA concentration), and the soil CO₂ respiration were higher in polluted soils. These results indicate that major changes in the chemical and physical properties of paddy soils following the application of industrial wastewater effluents have had lasting impacts on the microbial communities of these soils. Thus, the increased activity, biomass, and functional diversity of the microbial communities in polluted soils with elevated salinity, sodicity, and heavy metal contents may be a key factor in enhancing the bioremediation process of these heavily polluted paddy soils.     

Advances in the prognosis of soil sodicity under dryland irrigated conditions

Salt-affected soils, both saline and sodic, may develop under both dryland and irrigated conditions, affecting the physical and chemical soil properties, with negative consequences in the environment, in crop production and in animal and human health. Among the development processes of salt-affected soils, the processes of sodification have generally received less attention and are less understood than the development of saline soils. Although in both, hydrological processes are involved in their development, in the case of sodic soils we have to consider some additional chemical and physicochemical reactions, making more difficult their modeling and prediction. This is especially true where we have to consider the effects of the groundwater level and composition. In this contribution there are presented three case studies: one related to the development of sodic soils in the lowlands of the Argentina Pampas, under dry-land conditions with sub-humid temperate climate and pastures for cattle production; the second deals with the development of sodic soils in the Colombia Cauca Valley, under irrigated conditions and tropical sub-humid climate, in lands used for sugarcane cropping dedicated to sugar and ethanol production; and the last one related to the sodification of soils in the Western Plains of Venezuela, under irrigated conditions, sub-humid tropical climate and continuous cropping of rice under flooding. The development of sodicity in the surface soil is partially related to the composition and level of the ground-water, mainly affected in the Argentina case by drainage conditions, in the case of Colombia to the inefficient irrigation and inadequate drainage, and in the case of Venezuela to the soil management and irrigation system. There is shown how the model SALSODIMAR, developed by the author, based on the balance of water and soluble components of both irrigation water and ground-water, under different water and land management conditions, may be successfully adapted for the diagnosis and prediction of the different processes and problems, and for selection of alternatives for their prevention and amelioration.     

宁夏不同地区农田土壤磷素养分的空间变异特征

在宁夏灌区和旱区30块农田分别采集了0~120 cm深土壤剖面样品,测定了土壤全磷和速效磷含量,分析了土壤磷素养分含量的空间变异性。结果表明,在0~120 cm深土壤剖面中的全磷和速效磷含量,灌区土壤显著高于旱区土壤,在剖面点之间和土壤层次之间存在极显著差异,而且在土层间还存在着正相关。其变异系数总体上是旱区土壤大于灌区土壤,速效磷大于全磷。从地区来看,旱区土壤全磷和速效磷含量的变异系数随剖面深度的增加而增大,灌区土壤全磷量的变异系数在剖面层次之间差别不大,而速效磷的变异系数随剖面深度的增加而呈降低趋势。在0~120 cm深土壤剖面中,土壤全磷和速效磷的累积量灌区较旱区分别高出26.8%和65.0%,在土类间也存在较大差异。     

The relationships between erodibility and erosion in a soil treated with two organic amendments

The influence of two organic wastes, cotton gin crushed compost (CC) and beet vinasse (BV) applied for 5 years on a Typic Xerofluvent under dryland conditions near to Sevilla city (Guadalquivir River Valley, Andalusia, Spain) on soil erodibility (K factor of the USLE and RUSLE) and soil loss was studied. CC and BV were applied at rates of 1780, 5340, and 10,680 kg ha⁻¹ (expressed as organic matter content). When CC was applied to the soil, erodibility factor (K) is correlated with soil loss, highlighting a decrease in K and soil loss when increased the dose of CC applied to the soil. In this respect, K decreased 17% in CC-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experiment, and soil loss decreased 36% in CC-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experiment and for 45 min and 60 mm h⁻¹. However, when BV was applied, soil physical and biological properties decreased. K decreased 6.4% in BV-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experiment, and soil loss increased 59.7% in BV-amended soils respect to control soil at the end of the experimental period and for 45 min and 60 mm h⁻¹. We think that this is because the higher level of Na⁺ (and possibly of fulvic acids) in BV increased the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and reduced structural stability of BV-amended soil, leading to higher soil loss. This explains the relatively higher soil loss in BV-amended soils. These results contradict many previous reports in which soil organic matter prevented soil loss. For this reason, the equation of soil erodibility (K factor of USLE and RUSLE) must have in consideration other aspects such as the chemical composition of the soil organic matter as well as the soil structural stability.     

Assessing Soil Properties Controlling Interrill Erosion: An Empirical Approach under Mediterranean Conditions

Soil erodibility is a complex phenomenon that comprises a number of different soil properties. However, most current (empirical) erodibility indices are based on only a few soil properties. A feasible soil characterization of interrill erosion (IE) prediction at large scale should be based on simple, quick and inexpensive tests to perform. The objective of this work was to identify and assess those soil properties that best reflect soil vulnerability to IE. Twenty‐three agricultural soil samples located in Spain and Italy were studied. Forty‐nine different physical and chemical soil properties that presumably underpin IE were defined. Experiments were carried out in the field (in microplots using simulated rainfall) and in the lab. The most relevant variables were detected using multivariate analysis. Six key variables were finally identified: RUSLE K factor, a granulometric/organic matter content index, exchangeable sodium percentage, shear strength, penetration resistance and permeability of soil seal. The latter is proposed as a useful technique to evaluate soil susceptibility to crusting even when the crust is not present at the time of the field survey. The selected variables represented a wide range of soil properties, and they could also be successfully applied to different soils with different characteristics than those evaluated in our experiments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.