Laboratory Studies on the Influence of Rainfall Pattern on Rill Erosion and Its Runoff and Sediment Characteristics

Rill is a major type of erosion on upland slopes. Continuous rainfall is commonly used in laboratory studies on rill erosion despite the fact the rainfall was often discontinuous in the field; this is particularly true in the Chinese Loess Plateau. This study compares rill erosion under continuous and intermittent rainfalls by using laboratory experiments. The experiments include two rainfall‐intensity treatments (90 and 120 mm h⁻¹) and two rainfall‐pattern treatments (continuous and intermittent). The results indicate that rill formation had a significant effect on runoff and sediment concentration. For continuous and intermittent rainfall at the rainfall intensity of 90 mm h⁻¹, the mean sediment concentrations were 1·91 and 1·73 times after rill initiation than those before rill initiation, respectively, and the rill erosion accounted for 75·5% and 77·7% of runoff duration, respectively. For continuous and intermittent rainfall at the rainfall intensity of 120 mm h⁻¹, the mean sediment concentrations after rill initiation were 1·38 and 1·32 times that those before rill initiation, respectively, and the rill erosion represented 88·7% and 78·8% of the total runoff duration, respectively. We observed sediment sorting under all treatments; however, the low rainfall intensity boosted but the high rainfall intensity lowered the clay fraction; in contrast, the sorting remained roughly the same between the rainfall‐pattern treatments. The runoff velocity also affected the sediment sorting. Our empirical results indicated the important significance of the rainfall intermittence in predicting rill erosion. Copyright © 2017 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.     

Modeling Interrill Erosion on Unpaved Roads in the Loess Plateau of China

Unpaved roads play an important role in soil loss in small watersheds. In order to assess the impact of these unpaved roads in the Loess Plateau of China, runoff and sediment yields from road‐related sources must be quantified. Field rainfall simulation experiments were conducted under three slope gradients and five rainfall intensities on unpaved loess roads in a small watershed. Results showed that the runoff generation was very fast in loess road surface (time to runoff < 1 min) and produced a high runoff coefficient (mean value > 0·8). Soil loss rates were decreased as surface loose materials were washed away during a rainstorm. Rainfall intensity, initial soil moisture, and slope gradient are key factors to model surface runoff and sediment yield. Soil loss on loess road surface could be estimated by a linear function of stream power (R² = 0·907). Four commonly interrill erosion models were evaluated and compared, and the interrill erodibility adopted in the Water Erosion Prediction Project model was determined as 1·34 × 10⁶ (kg s m⁻⁴). A new equation taking into account different parameters like rainfall intensity, surface flow discharge, and slope gradient was established. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

EFFECT OF RAINFALL INTENSITY,SLOPE, LAND USE AND ANTECEDENT SOIL MOISTURE ON SOIL EROSION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT

Most climate change scenarios predict a significant increase in the frequency of high intensity rainfall events especially in the dry areas, which will increase runoff and soil erosion. Understanding the factors that control soil erosion is crucial to recommending appropriate measures to protect soils and reduce their vulnerability. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of rainfall intensity, slope, land use and antecedent soil moisture on soil erosion and runoff. Twelve sites from Al‐Muwaqqar watershed, Jordan, were selected to represent six slope angles: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9%. Two sites, one cultivated with barley and one as rangeland, were selected within each slope. Erosion was measured under three rainfall intensities: 3, 5 and 10 mm h⁻¹; and three different antecedent soil moisture contents: dry, wet and very wet; using a rotating disk rainfall simulator. Regression equations indicated that rainfall intensity was the most important factor affecting soil erosion and that erosion could occur at a relatively small intensity on wet soils as a result of subsequent rainfall events. Soil erosion on cultivated land was primarily affected by moisture content, while on uncultivated land, it was mostly affected by slope steepness. Rainfall intensity, slope and antecedent moisture explained 84–89 and 59–66% of the variation in runoff and soil loss, respectively. The results indicated the significant influence of cultivating the land on soil erosion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparing surface erosion processes in four soils from the Loess Plateau under extreme rainfall events

This research aims to improve erosion control practice in the Loess Plateau, by studying the surface erosion processes, including splash, sheet/interrill and rill erosion in four contrasting soils under high rainfall intensity (120 mm h⁻¹) with three-scale indoor artificial experiments. Four contrasting soils as sandy loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam and loamy clay were collected from different parts of the Loess Plateau. The results showed that sediment load was significantly impacted by soil properties in all three sub-processes. Splash rate (4.0–21.6 g m⁻²∙min⁻¹) was highest in sandy loam from the north part of the Loess Plateau and showed a negative power relation with the mean weight diameter of aggregates after 20 min of rainfall duration. The average sediment load by sheet/interrill erosion (6.94–42.86 g m⁻²∙min⁻¹) was highest in clay loam from middle part of the Loess Plateau, and the stable sediment load after 20 min showed a positive power relation with the silt content in soil. The average sediment load increased dramatically by rill and interrill erosion (21.03–432.16 g m⁻²∙min⁻¹), which was highest in loamy clay from south part of the Loess Plateau. The average sediment load after the occurrence of rill showed a positive power relation with clay content and a negative power relation with soil organic matter content. The impacts of slope gradient on the runoff rate and sediment load also changed with soil properties. The critical factors varied for different processes, which were the aggregate size for splash erosion, the content of silt particles and slope gradient for sheet/interrill erosion, and the content of clay particles, soil organic matter and slope gradient for rill erosion. Based on the results of the experiments, specific erosion control practices were proposed by targeting certain erosion processes in areas with different soil texture and different distribution of slope gradient. The findings from this study should support the improvement of erosion prediction and cropland management in different regions of the Loess Plateau.     

连续模拟降雨下岩溶区含砾石堆积体坡面径流产沙特征

为明确砾石含量对岩溶区石灰土质堆积体坡面径流产沙特征的影响,以土质坡面为对照,采用室内模拟降雨试验方法,研究了递增型降雨(0.5,1.0,2.0,2.5,3.0 mm/min)条件下偏土质(砾石含量30%)和偏石质(砾石含量70%)石灰土坡面的径流特性及侵蚀特征。结果表明:(1)随雨强增大,各坡面径流率呈稳定增长—波动的变化趋势,且土质坡面径流率整体小于2种含砾石坡面;偏土质、偏石质坡面累计产流量较土质坡面增加了0.49,0.37倍;(2)1.0~3.0 mm/min雨强下,土质坡面侵蚀速率在0.16~5.4 g/(m^2·s)范围内波动,整体呈稳定—波动增加的变化趋势;偏土质和偏石质坡面分别为0.16~5.4,0.06~0.74 g/(m^2·s),前者侵蚀速率变化范围大且波动剧烈,后者变化范围小且稳定;随砾石含量的增加,各坡面累计侵蚀量呈先增后减的变化趋势,偏土质坡面侵蚀量较土质坡面增加2.5倍,偏石质坡面较其减少了0.9倍;(3)土质、偏土质和偏石质坡面的侵蚀速率与径流率分别呈极显著正相关幂函数、线性函数和线性函数关系。研究结果可为桂西北岩溶区弃渣场水土流失治理提供一定的科学依据。     

Plant‐compositional effects on surface runoff and sediment yield in subalpine grassland

Soil erosion such as sheet erosion is frequently encountered in subalpine grassland in the Urseren Valley (Swiss Central Alps). Erosion damages have increased enormously in this region during the last 50 y, most likely due to changes in land‐use practices and due to the impact of climatic changes. In order to estimate the effect of vegetation characteristics on surface runoff and sediment loss, we irrigated 22 pasture plots of 1 m² during 1 h at an intense rain rate of 50 mm h^–1 in two field campaigns using a portable rain simulator. The rain‐simulation plots differed in plant composition (herb versus grass dominance) and land‐use intensity but not in plant cover (>90%) nor in soil conditions. Prior to the second rain‐simulation campaign, aboveground vegetation was clipped in order to simulate intense grazing. The generated surface runoffs, sediment loss, relative water retention in the aboveground vegetation, and changes in soil moisture were quantified. Runoff coefficient varied between 0.1% and 25%, and sediment loss ranged between 0 and 0.053 g m^–2. Thus, high infiltration rates and full vegetation cover resulted in very low erosion rates even under such extreme rain events. Surface runoff did not differ significantly between herb‐ and grass‐dominated plots. However, clipping had a notable effect on surface runoff in the test plots under different land‐use intensity. In plots without or with intensive use, surface runoff decreased after clipping whereas in extensively used plots, surface runoff increased after the clipping. This opposite effect was mainly explained by higher necromass and litter presence at the extensively used plots after the clipping treatment. The results obtained here contribute to a better understanding of the importance of vegetation characteristics on surface‐runoff formation, thus, on soil‐erosion control. Overall, we delineate vegetation parameters to be crucial in soil‐erosion control which are directly modified by the land‐use management.     

Infiltration and Runoff Generation Under Various Cropping Patterns in the Red Soil Region of China

Soil and surface water runoff are the major causes of cropland degradation in the hilly red soil region of China. Appropriate tillage practices are urgently needed to reduce erosion and protect the soil surface. In this study, five tillage systems [manure fertiliser (PM), straw mulch cover (PC), peanut–orange intercropping (PO), peanut–radish rotation (PR) and traditional farrow peanut (PF)] were compared in terms of soil infiltration and the capacity to generate runoff. Based on field‐plot monitoring and simulated experiments, this study revealed that the organic content of the soil in the PO (19.43 g kg⁻¹), PC (18·63 g kg⁻¹) and PM (18·18 g kg⁻¹) treatments increased compared with those of the PF (15·64 g kg⁻¹) and PR (17.17 g kg⁻¹) treatments. Moreover, the three tillage practices also enhanced the soil's aggregate stability and infiltration capacity. The average annual runoff generation rates of the treatments were as follows: PR (3,141 m³ ha⁻¹ a⁻¹) > PF (2,189 m³ ha⁻¹ a⁻¹) > PC (755 m³ ha⁻¹ a⁻¹) > PM (514 m³ ha⁻¹ a⁻¹) > PO (388 m³ ha⁻¹ a⁻¹). The PO treatment reduced the runoff generation rate by approximately 82·3% compared with that of the PF treatment. Among the treatments, the PO treatment had the highest threshold rainfall depth (22 mm) for runoff generation. Regression analysis revealed that the threshold rainfall depths linearly increased with the infiltration rates. The results of this study could benefit local soil management and cropland conservation. Copyright © 2015 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.     

Simulated rainfall evaluation of revegetation/mulch erosion control in the Lake Tahoe Basin—1: method assessment

Revegetation of road cuts and fills is intended to stabilize those drastically disturbed areas so that sediment is not transported to adjacent waterways. Sediment has resulted in water quality degradation, an extremely critical issue in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Many revegetation efforts in this semiarid, subalpine environment have resulted in low levels of plant cover, thus failing to meet project goals. Further, no adequate physical method of assessing project effectiveness has been developed, relative to runoff or sediment movement. This paper describes the use of a portable rainfall simulator (RS) to conduct a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of a variety of erosion‐control treatments and treatment effects on hydrologic parameters and erosion. The particular goal of this paper is to determine whether the RS method can measure revegetation treatment effects on infiltration and erosion. The RS‐plot studies were used to determine slope, cover (mulch and vegetation) and surface roughness effects on infiltration, runoff and erosion rates at several roadcuts across the basin. A rainfall rate of ≈60 mm h⁻¹, approximating the 100‐yr, 15‐min design storm, was applied over replicated 0·64 m² plots in each treatment type and over bare‐soil plots for comparison. Simulated rainfall had a mean drop size of ≈2·1 mm and approximately 70% of ‘natural’ kinetic energy. Measured parameters included time to runoff, infiltration, runoff/infiltration rate, sediment discharge rate and average sediment concentration as well as analysis of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and dissolved phosphorus (TDP) from filtered (0·45 μm) runoff samples. Runoff rates, sediment concentrations and yields were greater from volcanic soils as compared to that from granitic soils for nearly all cover conditions. For example, bare soil sediment yields from volcanic soils ranged from 2–12 as compared to 0·3–3 g m⁻² mm⁻¹ for granitic soils. Pine‐needle mulch cover treatments substantially reduced sediment yields from all plots. Plot microtopography or roughness and cross‐slope had no effect on sediment concentrations in runoff or sediment yield. RS measurements showed discernible differences in runoff, infiltration, and sediment yields between treatments. Runoff nutrient concentrations were not distinguishable from that in the rainwater used. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using rainfall simulation to guide planning and management of rehabilitated areas: Part II. Computer simulations using parameters from rainfall simulation

This paper reports computer simulations carried out using data from a rainfall simulator study on a steeply sloping revegetated area (a soundbund) at the NorthParkes Mine, near Parkes in New South Wales, Australia. Simulations of slope stability used a combination of daily time‐step models to consider soil water balances and runoff, growth of grass/legume pasture and soil erosion. Simulations indicated that long‐term erosion rates on the soundbund would be low (1·01–1·27 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) due to low runoff rates and good vegetative cover. The simulations highlighted that peak vegetative growth occurred prior to the period of peak erosion hazard, with carry‐over dry matter being crucial for erosion control during the period of peak rainfall erosivity. This, in turn, indicated that grazing during the periods of peak growth and peak erosion hazard should be avoided (to avoid loss of dry matter). It also indicated that there was value in establishing grass species that would give greater growth during summer months, and that may produce dry matter that is more persistent through time. Simulations of stormwater flows in channels draining various lifts on the soundbund compared a range of alternatives with respect to channel length, gradient and roughness. The simulations indicated little effect of channel length on peak flow rates or depths once channel lengths exceeded 250 m and also showed little effect of vegetative roughness on peak flow rates or depths once Manning's n values exceeded 0·05. Implications of these results for design of drainage channels and drop structures on the soundbund are discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Increasing the Rainfall Kinetic Energy of Spray Nozzles by using Meshes

Rainfall simulators are an important tool in studying soil erosion, which is a key process contributing to land degradation. The kinetic energy of simulated rain is central to these studies and it is used as an indicator of the raindrops' ability to detach particles from the soil surface. The main purpose of this experimental work was to explore the usefulness of incorporating meshes underneath pressurised nozzles' rain simulators that intercept the drops sprayed out by the nozzles and change the simulated rain characteristics, namely by increasing the rainfall kinetic energy. The laboratory experiments included testing four types of spray nozzles (discharge from 2·3 to 11·9 L min⁻¹), combined with a high‐density polyethylene mesh (square aperture of 20 mm). The effect of the mesh was studied for three vertical distances between the nozzle and the mesh (0·20, 0·40 and 0·60 m). A laser disdrometer was used to measure the diameter and fall speed of the simulated raindrops. For the mesh‐free simulations, the nozzles produced drops having on average a mean equivalent diameter of around 0·6 mm and a mean fall speed of about 1·5 m s⁻¹. The mesh increased the formation of bigger drops (>2·5 mm) and, consequently, increased the rainfall kinetic energy of the simulated rain; the magnitude of this increase varied with the spray produced by the nozzles. Results show that meshes can be useful for increasing the kinetic energy of the rainfall simulated by nozzles within soil erosion studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three hydro‐seeding revegetation techniques for soil erosion control on anthropic steep slopes

Erosion control at low–medium radioactive waste disposal sites is an important concern. A study was carried out in El Cabril (Córdoba, Spain) on two 40 per cent anthropic steep slopes in order to test the effectiveness of hydro‐seeding techniques for controlling soil erosion. Two groups of 10 m × 3 m plots were established. The treatments tested were: hydro‐seeding with the application of vegetal mulch (VM); hydro‐seeding with added humic acids (HA); hydro‐seeding with vegetal mulch and humic acids added (VM + HA); and a control without hydro‐seeding or soil amendment (C). Fifteen run‐off producing rainfall events were recorded during the study period, with intensities ranging between 2 mm h⁻¹ and 33·6 mm h⁻¹. All treatments significantly reduced runoff and soil loss (p < 0·05). The VM+HA treatment was the most effective, reducing 98·5 per cent of total soil loss. The HA treatment (97·1 per cent reduction) was also more effective than the VM treatment (94·8 per cent reduction). A great reduction in runoff and sediment yield was observed in the treated plots during the first stages after hydro‐seeding. This result may be attributed to the combined effect of: (a) the protection against raindrop impact due to the application of straw and mulch to the soil surface, and (b) a general improvement in the soil's structure brought by the organic amendments. Seven months after hydro‐seeding, an increase in the density of the plant cover could be added to the beneficial effects mentioned above. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Wageningen Rainfall Simulator: Set‐up and Calibration of an Indoor Nozzle‐Type Rainfall Simulator for Soil Erosion Studies

The set‐up and characterisation of an indoor nozzle‐type rainfall simulator (RS) at Wageningen University, the Netherlands, are presented. It is equipped with four Lechler nozzles (two nr. 460·788 and two nr. 461·008). The tilting irrigation plot is 6 m long and 2·5 m wide. An electrical pump supplies the constant flow during the experiments. The spatial distribution of the rainfall was measured with 60 rain gauges equally distributed on the experimental plot. Thies^® Laser Precipitation Monitor was used to measure the size and falling velocity of the raindrops. Four different flow rates were applied (Q1–4). From the collected data, spatial rainfall intensity and spatial kinetic energy distribution maps were created; Christiansen uniformity coefficient was calculated for each flow rate. The results of the experiments revealed that the rainfall parameters (spatial rainfall intensity, kinetic energy, raindrop size distribution and fall velocity) in the RS are not homogeneous (Christiansen uniformity ranges from 68·5% to 83·2%). Accordingly, the whole plot can only be irrigated irregularly applying a wide range of intensities and rainfall energies. The RS offers a good opportunity to study great variety of process intensities such as splash erosion, runoff generation, soil aggregate stability, organic matter migration and scaled landscape development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil loss and runoff obtained with customized precipitation patterns simulated by InfiAsper

Applying constant precipitation intensity, which does not occur in natural events, is one of the main limitations concerning rainfall simulators in soil erosion studies. The present work evaluated the InfiAsper rainfall simulator operating with a new control panel to program rainfalls with different precipitation intensities (PI). Infiltration rates and soil and water losses were evaluated in a Distrophic Acrisol (clay loam texture) with simulated rainfalls of 30 mm and duration of 40 min, considering advanced (AD), intermediate (IN), delayed (DE), and inverted intermediate (II) patterns, all with PI peaks of 110 mm h^?1, and a constant (CT) pattern. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with five treatments (rainfall patterns) and experimental units measuring 2.5 × 2.5 m. The simulator worked satisfactorily, applying the rainfall according to the preconfigured programs. The simulated rainfall with the CT and II patterns did not promote runoff nor soil loss. Infiltration and runoff rates varied according to the applied rainfall pattern, reaching 97.8 and 27.3 mm h^?1 (AD), 82.1 and 39.5 mm h^?1 (IN), and 76.2 and 49.7 mm h^?1 (DE), respectively. Soil loss and surface runoff totaled each 4.77 g m^?2 and 3.9 mm (AD), 6.70 g m^?2 and 6.8 mm (IN), and 6.03 g m^?2 and 7.0 mm (DE). The InfiAsper simulator modified enables varying precipitation intensity besides obtaining satisfactory results in the field and information consistent with the expected characteristics of natural rainfall patterns. In the intermediate and delayed rainfall patterns, soil and water losses are higher than in the advanced.     

Reducing water erosion in a gypsic soil by combined use of organic amendment and shrub revegetation

Degraded gypsic soils in the centre of Spain can be rehabilitated with organic amendment and shrub revegetation. Erosion has been measured on plots of 2×0·5 m² under simulated rainfall of 70 mm h⁻¹ and a kinetic energy of 18 J mm⁻¹ m⁻². Samples of water runoff and sediments were studied in the summer of the years 2002 and 2003. The presence of shrub Atriplex halimus (Chenonodiaceae) significantly reduces runoff from 16·9 to 6·7 ml m⁻² min⁻¹ and sediments from 0·16 to 0·02 g m⁻² min⁻¹. When sewage sludge is applied the differences among plots with and without bushes disappear. Although both treatments independently applied are efficient as erosion control measures, the combined use of revegetation and organic amendment allows a reduced dose of sewage sludge with the same effect on erosion. A low dose of sludge is desirable in view of the accumulation of toxic chemicals. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of ground‐cover type on surface runoff and subsequent soil erosion in Champagne vineyards in France

This study was conducted in Champagne vineyards in France, and the objectives were to compare the main cultivation practices in Champagne vineyards and to specify the conditions required for the optimum effect of inter‐row grass cover on runoff and erosion in experimental plots of 0.25 m² under simulated rainfall. Three types of ground cover were studied. In the bark‐and‐vine‐prunings plots, the runoff coefficient (RC) ranged from 1.3 to 4.0% and soil losses were <1 g/m²/h. In the bare soil (BS) plot, the highest RC of the study was found (80.0%) and soil losses reached 7.4 g/m²/h. In the grass cover plots, the RC and amount of eroded soil were highly variable: the RCs ranged from 0.4 to 77.0%, and soil losses were between less than 1 and 13.4 g/m²/h. Soil type, soil moisture, slope and agricultural practices did not account for the variability. In fact, the density of grass cover in the wheel tracks explained a portion of this variability. The lack of grass in the centre of the inter‐row allowed for a preferential flow and created an erosion line in the wheel tracks where the soil was compacted. This study showed that grass cover in a vineyard was not necessarily sufficient to reduce surface runoff and prevent soil erosion. To be effective, the grass cover must be dense enough in the wheel tracks of agricultural machinery to avoid RCs close to the RC achieved with BS.     

Effects of field reorganisation on the spatial variability of runoff and erosion rates in vineyards of Northeastern Spain

This study analyses the spatial variability of runoff and erosion rates in vineyards due to mechanisation works. Runoff samples were collected at three positions in two plots after 33 erosive events in three years (2001, 2003, 2004) with different rainfall patterns. Three replications were considered at each position. Soil properties were evaluated in order to analyse its relationship with runoff and erosion rates. Runoff and erosion rates were, on average, higher in the levelled plot (HD), ranging between 8·4 and 34·3 per cent, than in the non‐levelled plot (LD) ranging between 8·2 and 24·1 per cent. Mean sediment concentration in runoff ranged between 6 and 8 g L⁻¹ in the HD plot and about 4·6 g L⁻¹ in the LD plot, but with high differences within the plot. In the HD plot, runoff‐rainfall rates were significantly higher (at 95 per cent level) in the upper part of the slope and decreased along the slope, while in the LD plot, differences in runoff rates were not significant and similar to those observed in the less disturbed areas of the HD plot. The higher susceptibility to soil sealing in areas where the original topsoil was removed conditioned runoff rates. In the lower part of the HD plot runoff rates were, on average, 20 per cent lower than in the upper part of the slope. In those positions runoff rates up to 79 per cent were recorded. Organic matter content and water retention capacity at different potentials are the soil characteristics related to the differences on runoff and erosion rates in the resulting soils. Copyright © 2009 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.     

间歇降雨对红壤坡面土壤侵蚀特征的影响

自然条件下降雨多以间歇形式出现,而坡面土壤侵蚀又是一个渐变发育的复杂过程。通过3个雨强(60,90,120 mm/h)、5个坡度(5°,10°,15°,20°,25°)下的15场室内模拟降雨,研究一、二次降雨条件下不同雨强、坡度及降雨量对红壤坡面径流和侵蚀过程的影响,探讨间歇降雨条件下坡面侵蚀发育过程及其主要影响因素的变化。结果表明:(1)二次降雨的产流时间相比一次降雨均提前,一次降雨径流总量受到雨强、坡度和降雨量的共同影响,15°坡度是径流总量变化的一个转折点,二次降雨时降雨量的作用减弱,各雨强下的最大相差倍数减小,各坡度之间的倍数差距也减小。(2)一次降雨发生细沟侵蚀最主要的动力是降雨强度,大雨强、陡坡情况下细沟侵蚀更容易产生,而15°坡度对细沟侵蚀的产生具有重要作用,此时若发生细沟侵蚀,坡面侵蚀则多以细沟侵蚀为主,二者侵蚀量呈正比例函数关系,二次降雨的细沟侵蚀量和一次降雨过程中细沟发育情况相关,一次降雨的细沟发育越剧烈,二次降雨的细沟侵蚀量越少,此时细沟侵蚀量和总侵蚀量呈一次函数关系。总体来说,侵蚀总量的变化和细沟发育所处阶段紧密相关。(3)间歇降雨条件下,不同雨强、坡度、降雨量对坡面土壤径流和侵蚀过程的影响存在差异;同时,一次降雨土壤径流和侵蚀的变化对后期二次降雨径流和侵蚀的发展具有重要影响,使得在不同土壤侵蚀发展阶段,雨强、坡度、降雨量等因子对坡面土壤径流和侵蚀影响的程度也随之改变。