Soil losses under simulated rainfall in semi-arid shrublands of the Ebro Valley, Spain

Abstract. Runoff and soil loss were measured using simulated rainfall at nine shrubland sites on gypsiferous soils in the Ebro Valley. The sites represented diverse physiographical situations, including three soil types, three slopes and different percentages of rock outcrop and vegetation cover. Soil type, slope and vegetation cover significantly affected runoff and soil losses. An average of 40% of the simulated rainfall (48 mm/h) appeared as runoff and amounts were positively correlated with soil losses. The greatest runoff and soil losses were from plots with the steepest slopes. Rock outcrops decreased soil losses.