scholarly journals Multiperspective analysis of erosion tolerance

2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerd Sparovek ◽  
Isabella Clerici De Maria
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Physical Processes ◽  
Environmental Sciences ◽  
Soil Loss Tolerance ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Effective Integration

Erosion tolerance is the most multidisciplinary field of soil erosion research. Scientists have shown lack in ability to adequately analyze the huge list of variables that influence soil loss tolerance definitions. For these the perspectives of erosion made by farmers, environmentalists, society and politicians have to be considered simultaneously. Partial and biased definitions of erosion tolerance may explain not only the polemic nature of the currently suggested values but also, in part, the nonadoption of the desired levels of erosion control. To move towards a solution, considerable changes would have to occur on how this topic is investigated, especially among scientists, who would have to change methods and strategies and extend the perspective of research out of the boundaries of the physical processes and the frontiers of the academy. A more effective integration and communication with the society and farmers, to learn about their perspective of erosion and a multidisciplinary approach, integrating soil, social, economic and environmental sciences are essential for improved erosion tolerance definitions. In the opinion of the authors, soil erosion research is not moving in this direction and a better understanding of erosion tolerance is not to be expected in the near future.

scholarly journals Evaluating of the spatial heterogeneity of soil loss tolerance and its effects on erosion risk in the carbonate areas of southern China

Solid Earth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 661-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Li ◽  
Xiao Yong Bai ◽  
Shi Jie Wang ◽  
Luo Yi Qin ◽  
Yi Chao Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Carbonate Rock ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Clastic Rock ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
Soil Loss Tolerance ◽  
Loss Tolerance ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Soil loss tolerance (T value) is one of the criteria in determining the necessity of erosion control measures and ecological restoration strategy. However, the validity of this criterion in subtropical karst regions is strongly disputed. In this study, T value is calculated based on soil formation rate by using a digital distribution map of carbonate rock assemblage types. Results indicated a spatial heterogeneity and diversity in soil loss tolerance. Instead of only one criterion, a minimum of three criteria should be considered when investigating the carbonate areas of southern China because the one region, one T value concept may not be applicable to this region. T value is proportionate to the amount of argillaceous material, which determines the surface soil thickness of the formations in homogenous carbonate rock areas. Homogenous carbonate rock, carbonate rock intercalated with clastic rock areas and carbonate/clastic rock alternation areas have T values of 20, 50 and 100 t/(km2 a), and they are extremely, severely and moderately sensitive to soil erosion. Karst rocky desertification (KRD) is defined as extreme soil erosion and reflects the risks of erosion. Thus, the relationship between T value and erosion risk is determined using KRD as a parameter. The existence of KRD land is unrelated to the T value, although this parameter indicates erosion sensitivity. Erosion risk is strongly dependent on the relationship between real soil loss (RL) and T value rather than on either erosion intensity or the T value itself. If RL > > T, then the erosion risk is high despite of a low RL. Conversely, if T > > RL, then the soil is safe although RL is high. Overall, these findings may clarify the heterogeneity of T value and its effect on erosion risk in a karst environment.

scholarly journals Estimating soil erosion risk and evaluating erosion control measures for soil conservation planning at Koga watershed in the highlands of Ethiopia

Solid Earth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tegegne Molla ◽  
Biniam Sisheber
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Soil And Water

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.

scholarly journals Estimation of soil erosion considering soil loss tolerance in karst area

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Cao ◽  
Shijie Wang ◽  
Xiaoyong Bai ◽  
Huiwen Li ◽  
Cheng Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Carbonate Rocks ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Karst Area ◽  
Clastic Rock ◽  
Clastic Rocks ◽  
Soil Loss Tolerance ◽  
Loss Tolerance

Abstract. The prediction of soil erosion is critical to regional ecological assessment and sustainable development. However, due to the geological background of the karst area, the soil holding capacity is very limited, so it is necessary to consider the allowable loss of soil. Here we took thermodynamic dissolution model of carbonate rocks and the lithological characteristics to estimate soil loss tolerance, and corrected and quantitatively evaluated the soil erosion. Major findings are as follows: (1) The soil loss tolerance of homogenous carbonate rocks is 31.10 t · ha · yr−1, carbonate rock intercalated with clastic rocks is 120.81 t · ha · yr−1, carbonate/clastic rock alternations is 282.55 t · h · yr−1, and clastic rock is 500 t · ha · yr−1. (2) After the correction of the soil loss tolerance, the average annual amount of soil loss in the study area is 3.08 t · ha · yr−1, which is 41.12 % of the model. The predicted value of soil erosion is nearly the same as the observed value after modification. (3) It is necessary to reconsider the risk assessment model of soil erosion applicable to karst areas. This paper proposes an idea to estimate soil erosion based on the allowable loss of soil, which is more scientifically and accurately to reflect the soil erosion status of the study area compared with the traditional way. This study provides a corresponding reference for the formulation of soil and water conservation policies in China and the world's karst regions.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of water erosion risk in a watershed with eucalyptus and Atlantic Forest

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junior Cesar Avanzi ◽  
Marx Leandro Naves Silva ◽  
Nilton Curi ◽  
Lloyd Darrell Norton ◽  
Samuel Beskow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Soil Loss Tolerance ◽  
Loss Tolerance

The process of water erosion occurs in watersheds throughout the world and it is strongly affected by anthropogenic influences. Thus, the knowledge of these processes is extremely necessary for planning of conservation efforts. This study was performed in an experimental forested watershed in order to predict the average potential annual soil loss by water erosion using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and a Geographic Information System (GIS), and then compared with soil loss tolerance. All the USLE factors were generated in a distributed approach employing a GIS tool. The layers were multiplied in the GIS framework in order to predict soil erosion rates. Results showed that the average soil loss was 6.2 Mg ha-1 yr-1. Relative to soil loss tolerance, 83% of the area had an erosion rate lesser than the tolerable value. According to soil loss classes, 49% of the watershed had erosion less than 2.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1. However, about 8.7% of the watershed had erosion rates greater than 15 Mg ha-1 yr-1, being mainly related to Plinthosol soil class and roads, thus requiring special attention for the improvement of sustainable management practices for such areas. Eucalyptus cultivation was found to have soil loss greater than Atlantic Forest. Thus, an effort should be made to bring the erosion rates closer to the native forest. Implementation of the USLE model in a GIS framework was found to be a simple and useful tool for predicting the spatial variation of soil erosion risk and identifying critical areas for conservation efforts.

scholarly journals Capacity of soil loss control in the Loess Plateau based on soil erosion control degree

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haidong Gao ◽  
Zhanbin Li ◽  
Lianlian Jia ◽  
Peng Li ◽  
Guoce Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
The Loess Plateau ◽  
Soil Erosion Control ◽  
Control Degree ◽  
Loss Control

scholarly journals Efficiency of some conservation treatments for soil erosion control on unallowable slopes of skid trails

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 368-374
Author(s):  
Aidin Parsakhoo ◽  
Akbar Mazri ◽  
Mohsen Mostafa
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Water Diversion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Soil Erosion Control ◽  
Suitable Treatment ◽  
Loss Control ◽  
Slope Class

The aim of this study was to determine the suitable conservation treatments to control water erosion from skid trails in ShastKalate forests. Two longitudinal slopes of 20-40% and &gt; 40% were considered as critical slopes for skid trails. Treatments of water diversion ruts, water diversion ruts filled with slash and stones were implemented on each slope. A rubber bar was installed at the end of the slope to convert runoff into collectors. Sampling was done during rainfall events in autumn and winter seasons. Findings indicated that the treatment of water diversion ruts filled with slash was better than the other treatments in the control of sediment and soil loss, especially in the slope class of 20–40%. In the slope class of &gt; 40%, there was not any significant difference between treatments in sediment and soil loss control, but generally water diversion ruts filled with slash and stones were better in soil erosion control than water diversion ruts. In both slope classes, the rainfall intensity of 0.11 mm·h<sup>–1</sup> (2.64 mm in 24 h) was the threshold of soil erosion on skid trails. The control of water erosion of soil on skid trails by the operation of water diversions is a suitable treatment for conserving skid trails.

scholarly journals Estimation of Soil Loss Tolerance in Olive Groves as an Indicator of Sustainability: The Case of the Estepa Region (Andalusia, Spain)

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodríguez Sousa ◽  
Barandica ◽  
Rescia
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Tolerance Index ◽  
Soil Variables ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Severe Erosion ◽  
Olive Groves ◽  
Soil Loss Tolerance ◽  
Loss Tolerance

Spain is the world's leading producer of olive oil, with the largest number of olive agro-systems in the Andalusia region. However, rural migration, low profitability, and biophysical limitations to production have compromised their sustainability. Soil erosion is the main cause of declining production and must be controlled to sustain production and keep soil loss below a threshold (soil loss tolerance, SLT). In this paper, the Soil Loss Tolerance Index (SLTI) for non-specific crops was calculated, theoretically, in different Andalusian olive-growing areas. A new Soil Loss Tolerance Index specifically for olive groves was developed (SLTIog) using soil variables related to erosion corresponding to the Estepa region. This index and the Soil Productive Index (SPI) were estimated. Andalusian olive groves with severe erosion were unsustainable for a 150-year period according to SLTI. However, applying the SLTIog in olive groves of Estepa, soil loss was not unsustainable. Although no statistically significant differences were detected between the two SLT indices, the consideration of specific soil variables in the SLTIog made it more accurate and reliable for the assessment of potential long-term sustainability. The use of specific indices for olive groves can inform the adoption of management measures to maintain productivity and support conservation.

scholarly journals Mapping erosion prone areas in the Bouhamdane watershed (Algeria) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation through GIS

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Bouguerra ◽  
Abderrazak Bouanani ◽  
Kamel Khanchoul ◽  
Oussama Derdous ◽  
Salah Eddine Tachi
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Universal Soil Loss Equation ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
Very High ◽  
Soil Loss Equation

Abstract Soil erosion by water is a major problem that the Northern part of Algeria witnesses nowadays; it reduces: the productivity of agricultural areas due to the loss of lands, and leads to the loss of storage capacity in reservoirs, the deterioration of water quality etc. The aim of this study is to evaluate the soil losses due to water erosion, and to identify the sectors which are potentially sensitive to water erosion in the Bouhamdane watershed, that is located in the northeastern part of Algeria. To this end, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was used. The application of this equation takes into account five parameters, namely the rainfall erosivity, topography, soil erodibility, vegetative cover and erosion control practices. The product of these parameters under GIS using the RUSLE mathematical equation has enabled evaluating an annual average erosion rate for the Bouhamdane watershed of 11.18 t·ha-1·y-1. Based on the estimates of soil loss in each grid cell, a soil erosion risk map with five risk classes was elaborated. The spatial distribution of risk classes was 16% very low, 41% low, 28% moderate, 12% high and 3% very high. Most areas showing high and very high erosion risk occurred in the lower Bouhamdane watershed around Hammam Debagh dam. These areas require adequate erosion control practices to be implemented on a priority basis in order to conserve soil resources and reduce siltation in the reservoir.

Integrated methods and a complex solution for flood protection and erosion control – A case study of the village of Vrbovce, Slovakia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Výleta ◽  
Viera Rattayová ◽  
Kamila Hlavčová ◽  
Michaela Danáčová ◽  
Andrej Škrinár ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Flash Floods ◽  
Flood Protection ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
The Village

&lt;p&gt;The aim of the study was an integrated application of methods for the identification and complex assessment of ecosystem responses to abiotic stress factors as extreme runoff, muddy floods and soil erosion processes.&amp;#160; The protection of land with flysch geological structures with regard to and the problems caused by extreme runoff are a very important task in water management. The unsuitable management of land and irresponsible land use causes the formation of flash floods on watersheds and results in accelerated soil erosion. The decreasing soil quality and excessive sedimentation of eroded material in the water structures, which are components of flood protection structures, are a consequence of accelerated soil erosion. Research on and the design of measures were realized on five small watersheds in the cadastral area of the village of Vrbovce, which is situated in western Slovakia, on the edge of the flysch zone of the White Carpathians. Flash floods regularly recur in the village of Vrbovce, and extreme runoff causes the formation of rill erosion on the arable land. The soil erosion was modelled by the Universal Soil Loss Equation and the topographic factor was calculated by the Usle2D program. The results of the calculations show that 96.19 % of the agricultural land is endangered by accelerated soil erosion, with the values of the average annual soil loss greater than the limit for the tolerance of soil erosion. We calculated the direct runoff for five selected watersheds of the Teplica river tributaries with the CN-SCS method. The flooded areas in the village were modelled by the 2D hydrodynamic model MIKE21. A set of measures, i.e., polders, an infiltration trench and agrotechnical measures on the arable land, was designed outside the built-up areas of the village of Vrbovce for the reduction of the extreme runoff and accelerated soil erosion. Measures for the Teplica river revitalisation in the village were proposed. From the estimation of effectiveness of the measures proposed follows that we were able to reduce the amount of the soil erosion to values permissible for the norm by the proposed measures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key words: soil erosion, flash floods, flood protection, erosion control and river revitalisation practices&lt;/p&gt;

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