scholarly journals Effectiveness of Selected Soil Conservation Practices on Soil Erosion Control and Crop Yields in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mwango ◽  
B. Msanya ◽  
P. Mtakwa ◽  
D. Kimaro ◽  
J. Deckers ◽  
...  
Solid Earth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tegegne Molla ◽  
Biniam Sisheber

Abstract. Soil erosion is one of the major factors affecting sustainability of agricultural production in Ethiopia. The objective of this paper is to estimate soil erosion using the universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and to evaluate soil conservation practices in a data-scarce watershed region. For this purpose, soil data, rainfall, erosion control practices, satellite images and topographic maps were collected to determine the RUSLE factors. In addition, measurements of randomly selected soil and water conservation structures were done at three sub-watersheds (Asanat, Debreyakob and Rim). This study was conducted in Koga watershed at upper part of the Blue Nile basin which is affected by high soil erosion rates. The area is characterized by undulating topography caused by intensive agricultural practices with poor soil conservation practices. The soil loss rates were determined and conservation strategies have been evaluated under different slope classes and land uses. The results showed that the watershed is affected by high soil erosion rates (on average 42 t ha−1 yr−1), greater than the maximum tolerable soil loss (18 t ha−1 yr−1). The highest soil loss (456 t ha−1 yr−1) estimated from the upper watershed occurred on cultivated lands of steep slopes. As a result, soil erosion is mainly aggravated by land-use conflicts and topographic factors and the rugged topographic land forms of the area. The study also demonstrated that the contribution of existing soil conservation structures to erosion control is very small due to incorrect design and poor management. About 35 % out of the existing structures can reduce soil loss significantly since they were constructed correctly. Most of the existing structures were demolished due to the sediment overload, vulnerability to livestock damage and intense rainfall. Therefore, appropriate and standardized soil and water conservation measures for different erosion-prone land uses and land forms need to be implemented in Koga watershed.


Author(s):  
Félicien Majoro ◽  
Umaru Garba Wali ◽  
Omar Munyaneza ◽  
François-Xavier Naramabuye ◽  
Concilie Mukamwambali

Soil erosion is an environmental concern that affects agriculture, wildlife and water bodies. Soil erosion can be avoided by maintaining a protective cover on the soil to create a barrier to the erosive agent or by modifying the landscape to control runoff amounts and rates. This research is focused on Sebeya catchment located in the Western Province of Rwanda. Sebeya catchment is one of the most affected areas by soil erosion hazards causing loss of crops due to the destruction of agricultural plots or riverbanks, river sedimentation and damages to the existing water treatment and hydropower plants in the downstream part of the river. The aims of this research were to assess the performance of erosion remediation measures and to propose the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion control in Sebeya catchment. Using literature review, site visits, questionnaire and interviews, various erosion control measures were analyzed in terms of performance and suitability. Land slope and soil depth maps were generated using ArcGIS software. The interview results indicated that among the 22 existing soil erosion control measures, about 4.57% of farmers confirmed their existence while 95.43% expressed the need of their implementation in Sebeya catchment. Furthermore, economic constraints were found to be the main limitative factors against the implementation of soil erosion control measures in Sebeya catchment. Also, the majority of farmers suggest trainings and mobilization of a specialized technical team to assist them in implementing soil conservation measures and to generalize the application of fertilizers in the whole catchment. Finally, soil erosion control measures including agro-forestry, terraces, mulching, tree planting, contour bunds, vegetative measures for slopes and buffer zones, check dams, riverbanks stabilization were proposed and recommended to be implemented in Sebeya catchment. Keywords: Erosion control measures, Sebeya catchment, Rwanda


2021 ◽  
Vol 930 (1) ◽  
pp. 012025
Author(s):  
P D Pietro ◽  
M Lelli ◽  
A Rahman ◽  
Serkandi

Abstract The efficacy of erosion control systems depends on preventing soil loss underneath and maintaining its integrity under the effects of the water flow. The paper presents the research results at the Colorado State University on the performance of double twisted wire mesh products, known as Reno Mattresses, used as soil erosion control systems. Mattresses were subjected to various flow conditions on a 10 m long flume placed on a soil layer. The performance against erosion was evaluated by assessing the effect of the stone motion inside the mattress combined with the condition of incipient soil erosion underneath, in relationship to the mattress thickness, the filling stone properties, and under variable hydraulic flow regimes. At the same time, confirming the stability obtained using the conventional tractive force design approach, the research results allowed to introduce a new performance limit based on incipient soil erosion underneath the revetment. Based on the research results, the authors propose to express the shear resistance of mattresses used as soil erosion control systems as a function of the filling stones’ size, uniformity, unit weight, mattress thickness, and the presence of vertical strengthening elements.


CATENA ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 113 ◽  
pp. 353-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haytham M. Salem ◽  
Constantino Valero ◽  
Miguel Ángel Muñoz ◽  
María Gil-Rodríguez ◽  
Pilar Barreiro

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 875-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gao‐Lin Wu ◽  
Yi‐Fan Liu ◽  
Zeng Cui ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Zhi‐Hua Shi ◽  
...  

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