Measurement of rill erosion by snowmelt on potato fields under rotation in Prince Edward Island (Canada)

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linnell Edwards ◽  
G. Richter ◽  
B. Bernsdorf ◽  
R.-G. Schmidt ◽  
J. Burney
Keyword(s):  
Coming Out ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Sediment Deposition ◽  
Cereal Grains ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Cool Period ◽  
Volume Measurements ◽  
Potato Rotation

Cool-period soil erosion from farmland in Prince Edward Island occurs predominantly through rilling mainly due to snowmelt. This is mostly evident on fields coming out of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), a crop that is traditionally cultivated as part of a 2-yr rotation with cereal grains, or a 3-yr rotation with cereal grains and a forage crop for hay. Accurate assessment of snowmelt erosion (associated processes and effects) has been historically constrained by data inadequacy, particularly for rilling; and although a number of models have now been developed for estimating cool-period erosion, they still stand to benefit from the generation of actual field data. In the present study, actual volume measurements were made of erosion forms, for about 80 site-years, after the spring snowmelt in fields at various stages of potato rotation. Cool-period erosion, predominantly rills, amounted to about 30 t ha−1 for 2-yr and 3-yr rotations, thus an annual seasonal average of 15 t ha−1 and 10 t ha−1, respectively. Potato fields left untilled over winter averaged about 20 t ha–1 which increased to 36 t ha−1 with fall ploughing. Sediment deposition in fields coming out of potatoes was 13.3 t ha−1 compared with the amount of 0.4 t ha−1 in fields coming out of forages and 1.6 t ha−1 in fields coming out of grain. Fields going into the winter in sod or stubble showed negligible erosion, averaging about 0.1 t ha−1 in spring. The results of this study demonstrate the dominant influence of cropping practice in the erosion process during the cool period, and the tendency for traditional computational procedures to underestimate soil loss. Key words: Cool-period erosion, rilling, rill volume, sediment deposition, soil-loss prediction, erosion mapping, crop rotation

MINERAL ELEMENTS IN CEREAL GRAINS AND LEGUMES GROWN IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 569-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. WINTER ◽  
U. C. GUPTA
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Cereal Grains ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

Samples of barley, wheat, clover and alfalfa grown in Prince Edward Island were analyzed for Ca, P, K, Mg, Mo, S, Mn, Zn and Fe. Compared with the requirements for livestock, the cereal grains and forages tended to be low or deficient in several minerals. The need for a suitable trace-mineralized salt in cattle and sheep diets is indicated. Key words: Minerals, trace elements, grains, legumes

COMPARISON OF PREDICTED AND MEASURED SHEET AND RILL EROSION LOSSES IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

1979 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. P. VAN VLIET ◽  
G. J. WALL
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Universal Soil Loss Equation ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Southern Ontario ◽  
Loss Data ◽  
Soil Losses ◽  
Runoff Plots ◽  
Soil Loss Equation

Sheet and rill erosion losses evaluated by the universal soil loss equation were compared with 4–6 yr of measured soil loss data from runoff-plots at two locations in southern Ontario. Results indicated no significant differences (P = 0.10) between predicted and measured soil losses.

Runooff ratio as a factor in the empirical modelling of soil erosion by individual rainstorms

Soil Research ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. I. A. Kinnell
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Sediment Concentration ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Empirical Modelling ◽  
Control Practice ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Erosion Models ◽  
Erosivity Index ◽  
Bare Fallow

A number of factors that influence erosion have separate and differing effects on flow discharge and sediment concentration, depending on local conditions. Empirical erosion models that do not have mechanisms to help account for these separate and differing effects often lack the capacity to predict event erosion adequately in many locations. In this paper, the product of the EI30 index, the erosivity index used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the revised version (RUSLE), and the runoff ratio (QR) is discussed in relation to its capacity to act as an event erosivity index where sheet and rill erosion occur either separately or together in a rainstorm. An analysis of runoff and soil loss data shows the index to be superior to the EI30 index as an event erosivity index for storms on bare fallow plots at Holly Springs, Mississippi. The inclusion of runoff as an independent term in the USLE/RUSLE results in a need to determine new values for the soil erodibility factor, K. Existing USLE/RUSLE equations for determining L and S (topographic factors), C (a crop and crop management factor), and P (an erosion control practice factor) may be used as first approximations provided that the values of the new index are determined for the unit plot condition. Since many of the factors that determine L, S, C, and P influence runoff, new methods to determine these parameters need to be developed in the future if the new index is to be used most effectively.

Measuring Soil Loss and Subsequent Nutrient and Organic Matter Loss on Farmland

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vito Ferro ◽  
Vincenzo Bagarello
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Surface Erosion ◽  
Rill Erosion

Field plots are often used to obtain experimental data (soil loss values corresponding to different climate, soil, topographic, crop, and management conditions) for predicting and evaluating soil erosion and sediment yield. Plots are used to study physical phenomena affecting soil detachment and transport, and their sizes are determined according to the experimental objectives and the type of data to be obtained. Studies on interrill erosion due to rainfall impact and overland flow need small plot width (2–3 m) and length (< 10 m), while studies on rill erosion require plot lengths greater than 6–13 m. Sites must be selected to represent the range of uniform slopes prevailing in the farming area under consideration. Plots equipped to study interrill and rill erosion, like those used for developing the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), measure erosion from the top of a slope where runoff begins; they must be wide enough to minimize the edge or border effects and long enough to develop downslope rills. Experimental stations generally include bounded runoff plots of known rea, slope steepness, slope length, and soil type, from which both runoff and soil loss can be monitored. Once the boundaries defining the plot area are fixed, a collecting equipment must be used to catch the plot runoff. A conveyance system (H-flume or pipe) carries total runoff to a unit sampling the sediment and a storage system, such as a sequence of tanks, in which sediments are accumulated. Simple methods have been developed for estimating the mean sediment concentration of all runoff stored in a tank by using the vertical concentration profile measured on a side of the tank. When a large number of plots are equipped, the sampling of suspension and consequent oven-drying in the laboratory are highly time-consuming. For this purpose, a sampler that can extract a column of suspension, extending from the free surface to the bottom of the tank, can be used. For large plots, or where runoff volumes are high, a divisor that splits the flow into equal parts and passes one part in a storage tank as a sample can be used. Examples of these devices include the Geib multislot divisor and the Coshocton wheel. Specific equipment and procedures must be employed to detect the soil removed by rill and gully erosion. Because most of the soil organic matter is found close to the soil surface, erosion significantly decreases soil organic matter content. Several studies have demonstrated that the soil removed by erosion is 1.3–5 times richer in organic matter than the remaining soil. Soil organic matter facilitates the formation of soil aggregates, increases soil porosity, and improves soil structure, facilitating water infiltration. The removal of organic matter content can influence soil infiltration, soil structure, and soil erodibility.

scholarly journals Erosion Assessment Modeling Using the Sateec Gis Model on the Prislop Catchment

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-224
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Damian ◽  
Daniel Năsui ◽  
Floarea Damian ◽  
Dan Ciurte
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Universal Soil Loss Equation ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Erosion Modeling ◽  
Gis Model ◽  
Sediment Assessment ◽  
Arcview Gis ◽  
Gully Head ◽  
Soil Loss Equation

Abstract The Sediment Assessment Tool for Effective Erosion Control (SATEEC) acts as an extension for ArcView GIS 3, with easy to use commands. The erosion assessment is divided into two modules that consist of Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) for sheet/rill erosion and the nLS/USPED modeling for gully head erosion. The SATEEC erosion modules can be successfully implemented for areas where sheet, rill and gully erosion occurs, such as the Prislop Catchment. The enhanced SATEEC system does not require experienced GIS users to operate the system therefore it is suitable for local authorities and/or students not so familiar with erosion modeling.

scholarly journals Rainfall and human activity impacts on soil losses and rill erosion in vineyards (Ruwer Valley, Germany)

Solid Earth ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 823-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rodrigo Comino ◽  
C. Brings ◽  
T. Lassu ◽  
T. Iserloh ◽  
J. M. Senciales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Activity ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
The Village ◽  
Experimental Plots

Abstract. Vineyards are one of the eco-geomorphological systems most conditioned by human activity in Germany. The vineyards of the Ruwer Valley (Germany) are characterized by high soil erosion rates and rill problems on steep slopes (between 23 and 26°) caused by the increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events as well as deterioration due to incorrect land use managements. The objective of this paper is to determine and to quantify the hydrological and erosive phenomena in one vineyard in Germany during different seasons and under different management conditions (before, during and after vintage). For this purpose, a combined methodology was applied. Climatic (rainfall depth distributions and return periods), pedological (soil analysis and classification), geomorphological (sediment movements and rills evolution) and biological (botanic marks on the vines) variables were used on the two experimental plots in the village of Waldrach (Trier, region of Rhineland-Palatinate). The results showed high infiltration rates (near 100 %) and subsurface flow which were detected by rainfall simulations performed at different times of the year (between September and December). The highest variations of the monitored rills (lateral and frontal movements) were noted before and during vintage, when footsteps occurred concentrated during a short period of time (between September and October). Finally, two maps of soil loss were generated, indicated by botanic marks on the graft union of the vines. 62.5 t ha−1 yr−1 soil loss was registered in the experimental plots of the new vineyards (2 years), while 3.4 t ha−1 yr−1 was recorded in the old one (35 years).

Soil loss due to crop harvesting: significance and determining factors

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ruysschaert ◽  
J. Poesen ◽  
G. Verstraeten ◽  
G. Govers
Keyword(s):  
Earth Sciences ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Denudation Rates ◽  
Harvest Technique

Water, wind and tillage erosion are well-studied soil erosion processes. However, there is another process of soil erosion that is rarely considered in the field of earth sciences but one that should not be neglected when calculating soil denudation rates and sediment budgets, i.e., soil loss due to crop harvesting (SLCH). Loose soil and soil adhering to the crop and rock fragments are harvested and exported from the field along with crops such as sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). In this paper several assessments of SLCH found in the literature are listed, revealing that soil loss due to crop harvesting may range from a few Mg up to a few tens of Mg per hectare per harvest. As most literature discussing this soil loss does not originate from the field of earth sciences, and terms used to describe this phenomenon are not standardized, a terminology is proposed to describe soil losses due to crop harvesting compatible with terms used in the field of soil erosion. Furthermore, the parameters determining SLCH are reviewed based on a detailed literature study that focuses mainly on sugar beet. These parameters may be grouped into four factors, i.e. soil, crop, agronomic practices and harvest technique. Variations in soil moisture and soil texture cause the largest variations in SLCH, although other factors, such as harvest technique, also play an important role. Given the importance of SLCH in terms of on-site and off-site effects, more research is needed to quantify SLCH under different environmental conditions.

scholarly journals A field investigation on rill development and flow hydrodynamics under different upslope inflow and slope gradient conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 1201-1220
Author(s):  
Pei Tian ◽  
Chengzhong Pan ◽  
Xinyi Xu ◽  
Tieniu Wu ◽  
Tiantian Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Loss ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Rill Erosion ◽  
Slope Gradient ◽  
Power Functions ◽  
Stream Power ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Quantitative Impact ◽  
Inflow Discharge

Abstract Few studies focus on the quantitative impact of upslope inflow rate and slope gradient on rill development and erosion processes. Field plot experiments under varying inflow rates (6–36 L min−1m−1) and slope gradients (26, 42 and 57%) were conducted to address this issue. The results showed soil loss rates significantly demonstrated temporal variability in relevance to the rill developing process. Rill erosion and its contribution to soil loss increased with increasing inflow rates and slope gradients by power functions. There was a threshold inflow discharge (12–24 L min−1m−1), under which, rill erosion became the dominant erosion pattern. At the initial stage, downcutting of rill bottom and headward erosion were obvious, whereas rill broadening was significant at the actively rill developing period. Rill density increased with slope gradient increasing from 26% to 42%, and then decreased. For the 57% slope under high inflow rates (24–36 L min−1m−1), gravity caused an increase in the collapse of rills. Mean rill width increased with increasing inflow rates but decreased as slope gradients increased, while mean rill depth increased with increasing inflow rates and slope gradients. Stream power and rill flow velocity were the best hydrodynamic parameter to simulate rill erosion and rill morphology, respectively.

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