scholarly journals Effects of gravel-sand mulch on the runoff, erosion, and nutrient losses in the Loess Plateau of north-western China under simulated rainfall

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Yang Qiu ◽  
Xinping Wang ◽  
Zhongkui Xie ◽  
Yajun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Western China ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Gravel Mulch ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss ◽  
North Western ◽  
Fine Gravel

Gravel mulching is a characteristic agricultural technique that has been used for hundreds of years in the north-western Loess Plateau of China. However, the effects of the gravel-sand mulch on the processes of the runoff, soil erosion, and nutrient losses are neither fully distinguished nor even known in many parts of the world. This study investigated how different gravel particle sizes in the mulch affected the runoff, erosion as well as the extent of the nutrient losses in the surface runoff. The laboratory experiments were conducted using a rainfall simulator with three gravel mulch treatments: (1) fine gravel mulch (FG); (2) medium gravel mulch (MG); (3) coarse gravel mulch (CG) and a control group, bare soil (BS). The results of these rainfall simulation experiments gave estimates on how the grain size influences the runoff and losses of the soil and its nutrients. Applying the gravel mulch significantly delayed the runoff’s starting time when compared with the bare soil. Both the total runoff and soil loss increased with the grain size of the gravel mulch. Compared with the bare soil, the lowest surface runoff and soil loss was observed from the fine gravel treatment. These results clearly show that gravel mulch plays an important role in the runoff and sediment generation processes, and that it significantly reduces the surface runoff and soil loss. The losses of the total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total organic carbon (TOC) from the bare soil were much higher than those under the gravel mulching. The fluctuations in these nutrient-loss processes were the most intense in the CG treatment, while the TC content, in initial runoff, was significantly higher in the FG than the other treatments. Our findings suggest gravel mulch is a useful water and soil conservation technique in the loess area of north-western China, and these results can inform one on the theoretical principles for properly utilising gravel-mulched fields.

Runoff and soil and nutrient losses from an improved pasture at Ginninderra, Southern Tablelands, New South Wales

1980 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 533 ◽  
Author(s):  
AB Costin
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Infiltration Capacity ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss ◽  
High Infiltration ◽  
Soil Losses ◽  
Improved Pasture

Plot and catchment measurements of runoff and of soil and nutrient losses were carried out on a moderately to heavily grazed (12-30 sheep/ha) phalaris-subterranean clover pasture at Ginninderra. The effects of an intense summer storm were examined by applying artificial rains of 20 mm/ 15 min on 5.6 m2 runoff plots in 1964. The pasture topsoils had high infiltration capacities (50-75 mm/h), and when dry could absorb more than 40 mm of water. Surface runoff and soil loss were inversely related to cover (as pasture, detached litter, and sheep dung). Cover values less than about 70% were associated with some large increases in runoff and soil loss, whereas at higher cover values there was relatively little reduction in runoff and soil loss. Most soil losses were small (< 5 g m-2) when runoffs were less than about 15 %, but increased rapidly with increasing runoff. Acceptable conditions of ground cover were mostly maintained on the improved pasture but their potential for soil and nutrient losses was greater than on native pasture. Pasture renovation substantially reduced surface runoff. The effects of natural rains on runoff and soil and nutrient losses were measured from 1966 to 1971 on a 88 ha experimental catchment. The amount of runoff varied with the amount and season of rainfall, from less than 1 mm (0.2% of rainfall) in a dry year to 51 mm (7%) in a wet year, with an average of 29 mm (4%) per year. Most runoffs in autumn and summer were relatively small, reflecting the high infiltration capacity of the surface soil when topsoil moisture storage was available. In spring and winter, when the topsoil was mostly wet, runoffs were greater, reflecting the much lower infiltration capacities (c. 5 mm/h) of the subsoil. Soil losses were related to the runoffs. They ranged from 4 kg to 376 kg/ha/year, with an average of 179 kg. Most of the soil was in fine suspension, little as bed load or coarse floating debris. Losses of nitrogen, phophorus, potassium and sulfur were at average rates of 0.62, 0.12, 1.93 and 0.06 kg/ha/year. The present rate of soil loss is less than the estimated past rate of topsoil development, and the rates of loss of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur are less than the inputs from fertilizers and legumes. With management to retain adequate ground cover, the Ginninderra pasture effectively controls runoff and soil and nutrient losses, and could be used in similar environments as a standard for soil and water conservation, as well as livestock production.

Effect of Tillage on Surface Runoff and Soil Loss from Cotton

1987 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 0166-0168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung H. Yoo ◽  
J. T. Touchton ◽  
R. H. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss

Hay mulching to reduce runoff and soil loss under intensive potato production in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
H W Rees ◽  
T L Chow ◽  
P J Loro ◽  
J. Lavoie ◽  
J O Monteith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Potato Yield ◽  
Available P ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss ◽  
The Impact

Soil erosion by water associated with potato production in northwestern New Brunswick has been identified as one of the most severe soil degradation problems affecting soil quality in Canada. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of applying various rates of hay mulch following potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) harvest in reducing runoff and soil loss rates under northwestern New Brunswick climatic and soil conditions and to determine the impact of the various hay mulch application rates on potato yield. Wischmeier-like runoff-erosion plots (10 m wide by 30 m long) on a Holmesville gravelly loam soil were used. Annual hay mulch application rates of 0.00, 2.25, 4.50 and 9.00 t ha-1 wet mass were evaluated under continuous up-and-down-slope potato production on 8 and 11% slopes between October 1995 and October 1999. During the study period, annual precipitation was lower than normal. Calculated rainfall erosivities were 102, 66, 73 and 133% of the value typically used for conservation planning in this region (1276 MJ mm ha-1h-1). Seventy-three percent of the average annual erosivity for the 4-yr period was associated with storms occurring in June, July, August and September. Hay mulching at rates of 2.25, 4.50 and 9.00 t ha-1 conserved on average 13, 18 and 28 mm of June to September precipitation, respectively. Mean annual soil losses were reduced to 14, 7 and 2% of the control (5.6 t ha-1) by the 2.25, 4.50 and 9.00 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, on the 11% slope and to 43 and 24% of the control (2.0 t ha-1) on the 2.25 and 4.50 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, on the 8% slope. Eroded sediment silt, clay and organic matter (OM) contents were 1.6, 1.9 and 2.3 times the content of the surface soil at the experimental site. Mulching at rates as low as 2.25 t ha-1 reduced nutrient losses of NO3-N and available P, K, Ca and Mg to 26, 18, 28, 20 and 24% of control, respectively, on the 11% slope, and to 81, 50, 82, 66 and 77% of control, respectively, on the 8% slope. However, levels of nutrient losses from the controls were low to begin with (2.0, 0.4, 2.8, 10.9 and 1.6 kg ha-1 of NO3-N, and available P, K, Ca and Mg, respectively). Both total and marketable potato crop yields from all 2.25 and 4.50 t ha-1 treatments were in excess of 5% greater than their controls; however, only the increases in total yields from the 2.25 and 4.50 t ha-1 treatments and marketable yield from the 4.50 t ha-1 treatment on the 8% slope were significantly greater at P< 0.05. Yield of potato on the 9.00 t ha-1 treatment showed a consistent increase in total yield over the 4-yr period, going from 80% of control in 1996 to 127% of control in 1999, indicating a possible improvement in soil productivity. Hay mulching at rates up to 9.00 t ha-1 did not increase the incidence of disease or other defects. Hay mulching was found to be an effective tool for reducing soil loss while maintaining, and in some cases enhancing, potato yield. Key words: Hay mulching, soil loss, water erosion, organic residues, sediment composition, nutrient loss, erosivity

scholarly journals Effect Of Rice Straw Mulch on Surface Runoff and Soil Loss in Agricultural Land Under Simulated Rainfall

2021 ◽  
Vol 930 (1) ◽  
pp. 012007
Author(s):  
R Haribowo ◽  
R Asmaranto ◽  
L T W N Kusuma ◽  
B G Amrina
Keyword(s):  
Rice Straw ◽  
Sediment Yield ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Sediment Yields ◽  
Straw Mulch ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss

Abstract Installation of mulch on agricultural land, besides reducing weed growth, can also protect the soil surface from rain and erosion. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of rice straw mulch in reducing surface runoff and soil loss before entering the river. The experimental soil materials were similar to those in Sumber Brantas village, Bumiaji Sub-District, Batu. Runoff modelling utilized the Armfield S12 Rainfall Simulator - Advanced Environmental Hydrology System, with rainfall of 1 and 1.7 l/min. Land with rice straw mulch was compared to land without mulch. The land slope was adjusted to study area conditions, with mild (9%) and steep (15%) slopes. The three-Way ANOVA method was utilized for statistical analysis. In all the experimental runs, it was found that straw mulch effectively reduced the sediment yields that could enter the river area by more than 50%. The results of ANOVA analysis on sediment yield also showed that the significance value of the interactions between slope, rain intensity, and mulch usage was 0 (p<0.05). These results show that the difference in variations in these three factors determines the sediment yield that occurs. In the future, comparing straw mulch with other materials to cover agricultural land should be conducted.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mulching for Reducing Soil Erosion in Cut Slope and Fill Slope of Forest Roads in Hyrcanian Forests

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-268
Author(s):  
Ahmad Solgi ◽  
Ramin Naghdi ◽  
Eric K. Zenner ◽  
Vahid Hemmati ◽  
Frashad Keivan Behjou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Cut Slope ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
Runoff Volume ◽  
Side Slope ◽  
Cut Slopes ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss ◽  
Mulch Cover ◽  
Fill Slope

Forest operations often enhance runoff and soil loss in roads and skid trails, where cut slopes and fill slopes are the most important source of sediment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of four erosion control treatments applied to cut slope and fill slope segments of forest roads of different ages in the Hyrcanian forest in northern Iran. The treatment combinations, each replicated three times, included four classes of mulch cover (bare soil [BS], wood chips cover [WCH], sawdust cover [SC], and rice straw cover [RSC]), two levels of side slope (cut slope and fill slope), two levels of side slope gradient (20–25% and 40–45%), and three levels of road age (three, 10 and 20 years after construction). Mulch cover treatments significantly reduced average surface runoff volume and sediment yield compared to BS. Regardless of erosion control treatment, greater surface runoff volume and soil loss under natural rainfall occurred on steeper slope gradients in all road age classes and decreased with increasing road age on both slope gradients. On cut slopes, average runoff and soil loss from the plots covered with WCH (17.63 l per plot, 2.43 g m–2) was lower than from those covered with SC (22.81 l per plot, 3.50 g m–2), which was lower than from those covered with RSC (29.13 l per plot, 4.41 g m–2 and BS (34.61 l per plot, 4.94 g m–2). On fill slopes, average runoff and soil loss from the plots covered with WCH (14.13 l per plot, 1.99 g m–2) was lower than from plots covered with SC (20.01 l per plot, 3.23 g m–2), which was lower than from plots covered with RSC (24.52 l per plot, 4.06 g m–2) and BS (29.03 l per plot, 4.47 g m–2). Surface cover successfully controlled erosion losses following road construction, particularly on steep side slopes with high erosion potential.

scholarly journals Assessment of Improved Ladder Terraces in Controlling Soil Erosion on Uluguru Mountains-Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
S. T. Materu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Runoff Water ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Uluguru Mountains ◽  
Percentage Weight ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
Runoff And Soil Loss ◽  
Field Plots

<p>This study assesses effectiveness of improved ladder terraces in controlling soil erosion on steep slopes of Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro Region, where runoff collection tanks were located downstream of the divisor system were all runoff from the catchment upstream where improved ladder terraces were located. The soil properties percentage weight for sand, silt and clay were average 40, 10 and 50 respectively. Half of the terraces were left barely and half were planted with maize crop. Runoff and soil loss generated during every rainstorm was collected from six field plots of improved ladder terraces to the tanks. There was statistically significant different between reductions of soil loss in bare improved ladder terrace and cropped improved ladder terrace. The amount of runoff on the bare soil was high by 15% to 18% compare to runoff on cropped soils. It was found that cropped improved ladder terrace reduced soil loss by 74% while bare improved ladder terrace reduced soil loss only by 41%. Simple linear regression shows runoff water generated from rainfall amount with soil losses from different land cover. Bare soils behave with linear relationship (r² = 0.85) unlike cropped soil were r² = 0.36 because of gradual increase of crop canopy at every crop stage hence less impact to the soil. Soils losses from the bare soil ladder terrace and that of cropped soil ladder terrace was significantly difference with correlation coefficient of 0.863 at vegetative stage and 0.928 at the full booting stage.</p>

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