Field rainfall simulator studies on two clay soils of the Darling Downs, Queensland. I. The effect of plot length and tillage orientation on erosion processes and runoff and erosion rates

Soil Research ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Loch ◽  
TE Donnollan
Keyword(s):  
Overland Flow ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Bed Load ◽  
Transport Capacity ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Total Runoff ◽  
Flow Transport ◽  
Slope Sediment ◽  
Combined Action

Runoff and sediment concentrations were measured under simulated rainfall for a range of plot lengths, tilled either across or up and down the slope, on two soils, both of 4% slope. Sediment was moved by either rain-flow transport (the combined action of drop impact and shallow overland flow), or rilling, in which overland flow alone was the main agent of detachment and transport. Rain-flow transport occurred on all plots, while rilling developed only at plot discharges greater than 0.3-0.7 L s-1. For both processes, sediment was dominantly bed-load, and on both soils the concentration of bed-load carried by rills was approximately 4.8 times that carried by rain-flow. From this and other evidence it was concluded that sediment concentrations were controlled by transport capacity rather than the supply of detached sediment. For both rainflow and rill transport, sediment concentrations were constant over a range of plot discharges. It is suggested that rainflow concentrations were controlled largely by rainfall intensity, which was constant. Rills were observed to widen rather than deepen with increasing discharge, which would minimize changes in rill transport capacity. Tillage across slope delayed runoff and reduced total runoff and soil loss. Tillage orientation affected the plot discharges needed for rill initiation, but did not affect the sediment concentrations transported by either of the two main sediment transport processes that were observed.

Estimation of erosion model erodibility parameters from media properties

Soil Research ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Sheridan ◽  
H. B. So ◽  
R. J. Loch ◽  
C. M. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Overland Flow ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Sediment Delivery ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes

The aim of this research was to enable erodibility values for hillslope-scale erosion prediction models to be determined from easily measured media properties. Simulated rainfall and overland flow experiments were carried out on 34 soils and overburdens from 15 Queensland open-cut coal mines at The University of Queensland Erosion Processes Laboratory. Properties of the 34 media determined included aggregate stability, Atterberg limits, bulk density, cation exchange capacity, dispersion ratios, electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium percentage, organic carbon content, pH, texture, and water content at field capacity and wilting point. Correlation and stepwise multiple regression procedures were used to determine those media properties that could best be used to predict rill and interill erodibility. Correlations between media properties and sediment delivery at each of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30% slope revealed that different media properties were correlated with erosion rates at different slopes. A media property could show a strong correlation with erodibility at 30% slope, and a low correlation at 5% slope. Splitting the data set into soils only, and overburdens only, showed that properties that were positively correlated with erosion rates for one group could be negatively correlated for the other group. Therefore, in this study, erodibility could not be explicitly linked to one set of media properties for all medium types and erosive conditions. It was concluded that a single regression equation could not be used to predict erodibility under all conditions. Instead, 4 equations were developed to predict rill and interill erodibility, for soils and overburdens separately. The need for separate regression equations was attributed to the presence of different erosive sub-processes for specific combinations of medium type and slope gradient.

scholarly journals Vegetation, ground cover, soil, rainfall simulation, and overland-flow experiments before and after tree removal in woodland-encroached sagebrush steppe: the hydrology component of the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP)

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1347-1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jason Williams ◽  
Frederick B. Pierson ◽  
Patrick R. Kormos ◽  
Osama Z. Al-Hamdan ◽  
Justin C. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Surface Soil ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Rainfall Simulation ◽  
Sagebrush Steppe ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Tree Removal ◽  
Flow Experiments

Abstract. Rainfall simulation and overland-flow experiments enhance understanding of surface hydrology and erosion processes, quantify runoff and erosion rates, and provide valuable data for developing and testing predictive models. We present a unique dataset (1021 experimental plots) of rainfall simulation (1300 plot runs) and overland-flow (838 plot runs) experimental plot data paired with measures of vegetation, ground cover, and surface soil physical properties spanning point to hillslope scales. The experimental data were collected at three sloping sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) sites in the Great Basin, USA, each subjected to woodland encroachment and with conditions representative of intact wooded shrublands and 1–9 years following wildfire, prescribed fire, and/or tree cutting and shredding tree-removal treatments. The methodologies applied in data collection and the cross-scale experimental design uniquely provide scale-dependent, separate measures of interrill (rain splash and sheet flow processes, 0.5 m2 plots) and concentrated overland-flow runoff and erosion rates (∼9 m2 plots), along with collective rates for these same processes combined over the patch scale (13 m2 plots). The dataset provides a valuable source for developing, assessing, and calibrating/validating runoff and erosion models applicable to diverse plant community dynamics with varying vegetation, ground cover, and surface soil conditions. The experimental data advance understanding and quantification of surface hydrologic and erosion processes for the research domain and potentially for other patchy-vegetated rangeland landscapes elsewhere. Lastly, the unique nature of repeated measures spanning numerous treatments and timescales delivers a valuable dataset for examining long-term landscape vegetation, soil, hydrology, and erosion responses to various management actions, land use, and natural disturbances. The dataset is available from the US Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library at https://data.nal.usda.gov/search/type/dataset (last access: 7 May 2020) (doi: https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/1504518; Pierson et al., 2019).

scholarly journals Soil Erosion on Abandoned Land in Andalusia: A Comparison of Interrill- and Rill Erosion Rates

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Wirtz ◽  
T. Iserloh ◽  
G. Rock ◽  
R. Hansen ◽  
M. Marzen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Aerial Photography ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Total Runoff ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Total Test

The present paper is based on several field investigations (monitoring soil and rill erosion by aerial photography, rainfall simulations with portable rainfall simulators, and manmade rill flooding) in southern Spain. Experiments lead now to a closer understanding of the dynamics and power of different soil erosion processes in a gully catchment area. The test site Freila (Andalusia, Spain) covers an area of 10.01 ha with a rill density of 169 m ha−1, corresponding to a total rill length of 1694 m. Assuming an average rill width of 0.15 m, the total rill surface can be calculated at 250 m2 (0.025 ha). Given that, the surface covered by rills makes up only 0.25% of the total test site. Since the rill network drains 1.98 ha, 20% of the total runoff comes from rills. The rills’ sediment erosion was measured and the total soil loss was then calculated for detachment rates between 1685 g m−2 and 3018 g m−2. The interrill areas (99.75% of the test site) show values between 29 and 143 g m−2. This suggests an important role of rill erosion concerning runoff and soil detachment.

Using rill/interrill comparisons to infer likely responses of erosion to slope length: implications for land management

Soil Research ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 489 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Loch
Keyword(s):  
Land Management ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
Moderate Increase ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Slope Length ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes

With the release of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) there is potential to consider a range of responses of erosion to increasing slope length. This paper presents data to illustrate commonly observed effects of increasing overland flow on erosion processes and erosion rates, and considers the application of the data to specifying land management strategies and forms of vegetative cover most suited to particular soils. It also discusses a methodology for assessing relevant slope length factors for the RUSLE based on rill/interrill susceptibility. Three basic responses to slope length are noted: (i) little increase in erosion per unit area with increasing length, due to either the failure of rills to develop for the range of overland flows considered, or rill formation at very low hows with no further increase in erosion rates as flow rates increase; (ii) moderate increase in erosion per unit area with slope length associated with slight rill development; and (iii) large increases in erosion per unit area with slope length as rilling develops strongly. These responses have significance for the relative importance of surface and contact cover (and therefore, for the plant species grown and/or residue management strategy adopted), and for the use of contour banks to reduce slope length.

scholarly journals Does WEPP meet the specificity of soil erosion in steep mountain regions?

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 2153-2188 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Konz ◽  
D. Bänninger ◽  
M. Nearing ◽  
C. Alewell
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Vegetation Period ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Dwarf Shrubs ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes

Abstract. We chose the WEPP model (Water Erosion Prediction Project) to describe soil erosion in the Urseren Valley (central Switzerland) as it seems to be one of the most promising models for steep mountain environments. Crucial model parameters were determined in the field (slope, plant species, fractional vegetation cover, initial saturation level), by laboratory analyses (grain size, organic matter) or by the WEPP manual (rill- and interrill erodibility, effective hydraulic conductivity, cation exchange capacity). The quantification of soil erosion was performed on hill slope scale for three different land use types: meadows, pastures with dwarf shrubs and pastures without dwarf shrubs. Erosion rates for the vegetation period were measured with sediment traps between June 2006 and November 2007. Long-term soil erosion rates were estimated by measuring Cs-137 redistribution, deposited after the Chernobyl accident. In addition to the erosion rates, soil moisture and surface flow was additionally measured during the vegetation period in the field and compared to model output. Short-term erosion rates are simulated well whereas long term erosion rates were underestimated by the model. Simulated soil moisture has a parallel development compared to measured data from April onwards but a converse dynamic in early spring (simulated increase and measured decrease in March and April). The discrepancy in soil water during springtime was explained by delayed simulated snow cover melting. The underestimation of simulated long term erosion rates is attributed to alpine processes other than overland flow and splash. Snow gliding processes might dominate erosion processes during winter time. We assume that these differences lead to the general simulated underestimation of erosion rates. Thus, forcing erosion processes which dominate erosion rates in mountainous regions have to be implemented to WEPP for a successful application in the future.

scholarly journals Vegetation, ground cover, soil, rainfall simulation, and overland flow experiments before and after tree removal in woodland-encroached sagebrush steppe: the hydrology component of the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jason Williams ◽  
Frederick B. Pierson ◽  
Patrick R. Kormos ◽  
Osama Z. Al-Hamdan ◽  
Justin C. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Surface Soil ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Rainfall Simulation ◽  
Sagebrush Steppe ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Tree Removal ◽  
Flow Experiments

Abstract. Rainfall simulation and overland-flow experiments enhance understanding of surface hydrology and erosion processes, quantify runoff and erosion rates, and provide valuable data for developing and testing predictive models. We present a unique dataset (1021 experimental plots) of rainfall simulation (1300 plot runs) and overland flow (838 plot runs) experimental plot data paired with measures of vegetation, ground cover, and surface soil physical properties spanning point to hillslope scales. The experimental data were collected at three sloping sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) sites in the Great Basin, USA, each subjected to woodland-encroachment and with conditions representative of intact wooded-shrublands and 1–9 yr following wildfire, prescribed fire, and/or tree cutting and shredding tree-removal treatments. The methodologies applied in data collection and the cross-scale experimental design uniquely provide scale-dependent, separate measures of interrill (rainsplash and sheetflow processes) and concentrated overland-flow runoff and erosion rates along with collective rates for these same processes combined over the patch scale (tens of meters). The dataset provides a valuable source for developing, assessing, and calibrating/validating runoff and erosion models applicable to diverse plant community dynamics with varying vegetation, ground cover, and surface soil conditions. The experimental data advance understanding and quantification of surface hydrologic and erosion processes for the research domain and potentially for other patchy-vegetated rangeland landscapes elsewhere. Lastly, the unique nature of repeated measures spanning numerous treatments and time scales delivers a valuable dataset for examining long-term landscape vegetation, soil, hydrology, and erosion responses to various management actions, land use, and natural disturbances. The dataset is available from the National Agricultural Library at https://data.nal.usda.gov/search/type/dataset (DOI: https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/1504518; Pierson et al., 2019).

scholarly journals The impact of road and railway embankments on runoff and soil erosion in eastern Spain

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 12947-12985 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Pereira ◽  
A. Gimeìnez-Morera ◽  
A. Novara ◽  
S. Keesstra ◽  
A. Jordán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Land Use Types ◽  
Soil Erosion Rates ◽  
On The Road ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Road and railway infrastructure increased in the Mediterranean region during the last three decades. This included the building of embankments, which are assumed to be a~large source of sediments and runoff. However, little is known about soil erosion rates, the factors that control them, and the processes that contribute to detachment, transport and deposition of sediments from road and railway embankments. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the impacts of road and railway embankments as a source of sediment and water, and compare them to other land use types (citrus plantations and shrublands) representative of the Cànyoles watershed to evaluate the importance of road embankments as a~source of water and sediment under high magnitude low frequency rainfall events. Sixty rainfall experiments (1 m2 plots; 60 min duration; 78 mm h−1 rainfall intensity) were carried out on these land use types: 20 on two railway embankments (10 + 10), 20 on two road embankments (10 + 10), and 10 on citrus and 10 on shrubland. Road and railway embankments were characterized by bare soils with low organic matter and high bulk density. Erosion processes were more active in road, railway and citrus plots, and null in the shrublands. The non-sustainable soil erosion rates of 3 Mg ha−1 y−1 measured on the road embankments were due to the efficient runoff connectivity plus low infiltration rates within the plot as the runoff took less than one minute to reach the runoff outlet. Road and railway embankments are both an active source of sediments and runoff, and soil erosion control strategies must be applied. The citrus plantations also act as a~source of water and sediments (1.5 Mg ha−1 y−1), while shrublands are sediment sinks, as no overland flow was observed due to the high infiltration rates.

scholarly journals Predicting land use and soil controls on erosion and sediment redistribution in agricultural loess areas: model development and cross scale verification

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 3527-3592 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Scherer ◽  
E. Zehe
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Rainfall Simulation ◽  
Transport Capacity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Particle Detachment ◽  
Soil Particles ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Sediment Redistribution

Abstract. This study quantifies soil and land use controls on sediment mobilisation and redistribution in cultivated loess soil landscapes, as these landscapes are frequently used for intensive cultivation and are highly susceptible to erosion. To this end we developed and verified a process based model named CATFLOW-SED at the plot, hillslope and catchment scales. The model relies on an explicit representation of hillslopes and their dominant physiographical characteristics which control overland flow formation, particle detachment and sediment redistribution (transport and sedimentation). Erosion processes are represented by means of the steady state approximation of the sediment continuity equation, their interaction is conceptualized based on the sediment transport capacity of overland flow. Particle detachment is represented by means of a threshold approach accounting for the attacking forces of rainfall and overland flow which need to exceed a threshold in soil erosion resistance to mobilize soil particles (Scherer et al., 2012). Transport capacity of overland flow is represented as proposed by Engelund and Hansen (1967). Top soil particles and aggregates are detached and transported according to their share in the particle size distribution. Size selective deposition of soil particles is determined based on the sink velocity of the various particle size classes. CATFLOW-SED was verified on the plot, hillslope and catchment scale, where either particle detachment or lateral redistribution or sedimentation is the limiting factor, to check whether the respective parameterizations are transferable for simulations at the next higher scale. For verification we used the Weiherbach data set providing plot scale rainfall simulation experiments, long term monitoring of sediment yields on a selected hillslope as well as observed sediment fluxes at the catchment outlet. Our findings corroborate that CATFLOW-SED predicted the sediment loads at all scales within the error margin of the measurements. An accurate prediction of overland flow turned out as being necessary and sufficient to guarantee spatial transferability of erosion parameters optimized at smaller scales to the next higher scale without need for further calibration. Based on the verified model setup, we investigate the efficiency of land use management to mitigate measures in erosion scenarios for cultivated loess landscapes.

scholarly journals Analyzing Regional Geographic Challenges: The Resilience of Chinese Vineyards to Land Degradation Using a Societal and Biophysical Approach

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Yang Yu ◽  
Jesús Rodrigo-Comino
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Land Degradation ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Scientific Hypothesis ◽  
Vineyard Soil

Land degradation, especially soil erosion, is a societal issue that affects vineyards worldwide, but there are no current investigations that inform specifically about soil erosion rates in Chinese vineyards. In this review, we analyze this problem and the need to avoid irreversible damage to soil and their use from a regional point of view. Information about soil erosion in vineyards has often failed to reach farmers, and we can affirm that to this time, soil erosion in Chinese vineyards has been more of a scientific hypothesis than an agronomic or environmental concern. Two hypotheses can be presented to justify this review: (i) there are no official and scientific investigations on vineyard soil erosion in China as the main topic, and it may be understood that stakeholders do not care about this or (ii) there is a significant lack of information and motivation among farmers, policymakers and wineries concerning the consequences of soil erosion. Therefore, this review proposes a plan to study vineyard soil erosion processes for the first time in China and develop a structured scientific proposal considering different techniques and strategies. To achieve these goals, we present a plan considering previous research on other viticultural regions. We hypothesize that the results of a project from a regional geographic point of view would provide the necessary scientific support to facilitate deriving guidelines for sustainable vineyard development in China. We concluded that after completing this review, we cannot affirm why vine plantations have not received the same attention as other crops or land uses.

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