Process identification of soil erosion in steep mountain regions

Abstract. Mountainous soil erosion processes were investigated in the Urseren Valley (Central Switzerland) by means of measurements and simulations. The quantification of soil erosion was performed on hill slope scale (2·20 m) for three different land use types: hayfields, pastures with dwarf shrubs and pastures without dwarf shrubs with three replicates each. Erosion rates during growing season were measured with sediment traps between June 2006 and November 2007. Long-term soil erosion rates were estimated based on Cs- 137 redistribution. In addition, soil moisture and surface flow were recorded during the growing season in the field and compared to model output. We chose the WEPP model (Water Erosion Prediction Project) to simulate soil erosion during the growing season. Model parameters were determined in the field (slope, plant species, fractional vegetation cover, initial saturation level), by laboratory analyses (grain size, organic matter) and by literature study. The WEPP model simulates sheet erosion processes (interrill and splash erosion processes, please note that no rill erosion occurs at our sites). Model output resulted in considerable smaller values than the measured erosion rates with sediment traps for the same period. We attribute the differences to observed random gravity driven erosion of soil conglomerates. The Cs-137 measurements deliver substantially higher mean annual erosion rates, which are most likely connected to snow cover related processes such as snow gliding and avalanche activities.

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

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions ◽

10.5194/hessd-6-2153-2009 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 2153-2188 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

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.

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

Land ◽

10.3390/land10020227 ◽

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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Advances in techniques to assess soil erodibility

Advances in measuring soil health - Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science ◽

10.19103/as.2020.0079.14 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175-214

Author(s):

R. J. Rickson ◽

◽

E. Dowdeswell Downey ◽

G. Alegbeleye ◽

S. E. Cooper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Test Procedure ◽

Aggregate Stability ◽

Analytical Techniques ◽

Soil Biology ◽

Soil Erodibility ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Assessment Techniques ◽

Soil Erosion By Water

Soil erodibility is the susceptibility of soil to the erosive forces of rainsplash, runoff and wind. It is a significant factor in determining present and future soil erosion rates. Focusing on soil erosion by water, this chapter shows that erodibility is determined by static and dynamic soil properties that control a range of sub-processes affecting soil erosion, but there is no standardised test procedure, making comparison of erodibility assessment techniques and their results challenging. Most researchers agree that aggregate stability is the best indicator of soil erodibility. Selection of techniques to measure aggregate stability need to consider the type of disruptive forces and breakdown processes to which field aggregates are subjected. New indices must incorporate spatial and temporal variabilities in erodibility; the different erosion processes operating; the impact of climate change; and the role of soil biology. New analytical techniques such as computer aided tomography show promise in considering soil erodibility as a dynamic continuum operating over 3 dimensions.

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Estimation of soil redistribution rates due to snow cover related processes in a mountainous area (Valle d'Aosta, NW Italy)

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences ◽

10.5194/hess-16-517-2012 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 517-528 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

E. Ceaglio ◽

K. Meusburger ◽

M. Freppaz ◽

E. Zanini ◽

C. Alewell

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Sediment Yield ◽

Mountainous Area ◽

Mountain Areas ◽

Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Soil Redistribution ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Soil Accumulation ◽

Snow Gliding

Abstract. Mountain areas are widely affected by soil erosion, which is generally linked to runoff processes occurring in the growing season and snowmelt period. Also processes like snow gliding and full-depth snow avalanches may be important factors that can enhance soil erosion, however the role and importance of snow movements as agents of soil redistribution are not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to provide information on the relative importance of snow related processes in comparison to runoff processes. In the study area, which is an avalanche path characterized by intense snow movements, soil redistribution rates were quantified with two methods: (i) by field measurements of sediment yield in an avalanche deposition area during 2009 and 2010 winter seasons; (ii) by caesium-137 method, which supplies the cumulative net soil loss/gain since 1986, including all the soil erosion processes. The snow related soil accumulation estimated with data from the deposit area (27.5 Mg ha−1 event−1 and 161.0 Mg ha−1 event−1) was not only higher than the yearly sediment amounts, reported in literature, due to runoff processes, but it was even more intense than the yearly total deposition rate assessed with 137Cs (12.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1). The snow related soil erosion rates estimated from the sediment yield at the avalanche deposit area (3.7 Mg ha−1 and 20.8 Mg ha−1) were greater than the erosion rates reported in literature and related to runoff processes; they were comparable to the yearly total erosion rates assessed with the 137Cs method (13.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1 and 8.8 Mg ha−1 yr−1). The 137Cs method also showed that, where the ground avalanche does not release, the erosion and deposition of soil particles from the upper part of the basin was considerable and likely related to snow gliding. Even though the comparison of both the approaches is linked to high methodological uncertainties, mainly due to the different spatial and temporal scales considered, we still can deduce, from the similarity of the erosion rates, that soil redistribution in this catchment is driven by snow movement, with a greater impact in comparison to the runoff processes occurring in the snow-free season. Nonetheless, the study highlights that soil erosion processes due to the snow movements should be considered in the assessment of soil vulnerability in mountain areas, as they significantly determine the pattern of soil redistribution.

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Geospatial-based automated watershed modeling in Garhwal Himalaya

Journal of Hydroinformatics ◽

10.2166/hydro.2010.024 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 502-520 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

U. C. Kothyari ◽

Raaj. Ramsankaran ◽

D. Sathish Kumar ◽

S. K. Ghosh ◽

Nisha Mendiratta

Keyword(s):

Spatial Distribution ◽

Soil Erosion ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Watershed Modeling ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Runoff Potential ◽

Soil Erosion Rates ◽

Modelling Methodology ◽

User Friendly

An automated GIS tool and its computational outcomes on the spatial distribution of runoff and soil erosion are presented. The developed tool, named Automated Soil Erosion Assessment Tool (ASEAT), simulates runoff and soil erosion rates based on the concept of erosion processes suggested by Morgan–Morgan–Finney (MMF) in 1984. ASEAT is provided with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) to interact with the users. The computational algorithms used are made fully automated and have been developed using the ERDAS Macro Language (EML) and Spatial Macro Language (SML). The developed modelling methodology is applied to the data of an experimental watershed of Pathri Rao in the Indian lower Himalayan region. Generated spatial distribution of runoff potential and soil erosion rates for the studied watershed using ASEAT are depicted by maps. The model-computed surface runoff potential (145.63 mm) available in the watershed seems fair when compared with the runoff depth (176.07 mm) observed at the watershed outlet. The derived estimates of soil erosion are validated, albeit qualitatively, with field observations and seem reliable for making decisions on the adoption of soil erosion conservative measures in the watershed.

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Soil loss due to crop harvesting: significance and determining factors

Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment ◽

10.1191/0309133304pp421oa ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 467-501 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

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.

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IMPROVED STOCK UNEARTHING METHOD (ISUM) ALLOW TO ASSESS SOIL EROSION PROCESSES IN GRAFTED PLANTS USING IN SITU TOPOGRAPHICAL MEASUREMENTS

10.4995/cigeo2021.2021.13256 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jesús Rodrigo-Comino ◽

Enric Terol ◽

Artemi Cerdà

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Parent Material ◽

Key Factors ◽

Natural Ecosystems ◽

New Techniques ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Soil Depletion ◽

Agricultural Areas

Policymakers, stakeholders and rural inhabitants must be aware of the relevance of soil erosion as an irreversible landdegradation process. This is key to achieve the land degradation neutrality challenge and the sustainability of humankindand natural ecosystems. Agricultural areas are being affected by soil erosion threatening soil quality and, subsequently,food security. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new techniques and methods visually friendly and easy to be accessedto survey and assess the soil erosion concerns. ISUM (Improve Stock Unearthing Method) is a well-contrasted procedureto estimate and map soil mobilisation and erosion rates. To achieve this goal, using the plant graft union as a biomarkerconducting in situ topographical measurements along perpendicular transects allow us to i) explain key factors related tothe activation of soil erosion processes such as tillage, the age of plantation, parent material or hillslope positions; ii)complete other well-contrasted methods such as RUSLE (Revised Soil Loss Equation), IC (Index of connectivity) orStructure from Motion; and, iii) identify hotspot areas affected by soil depletion, accumulation or mobilisation. In thisconference, we will show how we developed a new improvement of this method in different crops (vineyards, citrus,persimmons or almonds), under different environmental conditions (parent material, vine ages, soil management, or slopeangle) with diverse geomatic procedures (interpolation methods and geostatistical analysis, topographical measurementsand models) using GIS techniques.

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Soil erosion risk assessment: a case study of the Jos Plateau, Nigeria

10.36265/njss.2021.310214 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 109-117

Author(s):

Ayodele Owonubi

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Vegetation Index ◽

Vegetation Coverage ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Rainfall Erosivity ◽

Entire Area ◽

Jos Plateau ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Soil Erosion Rates

Soil erosion is a treat to global food security. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors influencing erosion on the arable lands of the Jos Plateau; and to estimate the extent of soil erosion in the area. Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model was used to evaluate soil erosion processes in the study area. This was facilitated with the aid of Geographic Information System Both for Interpolation and Geospatial analysis. Soil data from field survey was the primary source of data for analysis of soil erodibility. Topographic factor was determined from 90-meter elevation data. Rainfall erosivity was determined from rainfall data at 1 kilometer resolution. Whereas vegetation cover factor was determined from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Results of the study indicate that rainfall erosivity values were remarkably high and have mean values of 5117MJ.mm/ ha.h.y. Analysis of percent areal coverage indicate that the entire area had 52, 34, 7, and 7% low, moderate, high and very high topographic factors respectively. Further analysis indicate that anthropogenic factors had severely affected vegetation coverage of the Jos plateau, especially on the arable lands. Furthermore, during this research, the mean annual actual and potential soil erosion rates were estimated spatially over the Jos Plateau area. Soil erosion rates were far more than tolerable rates thereby affecting soil fertility and productivity.

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Estimation of Sediment Yield and Maximum Outflow Using the IntErO Model in the Sarada River Basin of Nepal

Water ◽

10.3390/w11050952 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 952 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Devraj Chalise ◽

Lalit Kumar ◽

Velibor Spalevic ◽

Goran Skataric

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

River Basin ◽

Sediment Yield ◽

Soil Loss ◽

Surface Erosion ◽

Good Opportunity ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Erosion Coefficient ◽

To Come

Soil erosion is a severe environmental problem worldwide as it washes away the fertile topsoil and reduces agricultural production. Nepal, being a hilly country, has significant erosion disputes as well. It is important to cognise the soil erosion processes occurring in a river basin to manage the erosion severity and plan for better soil conservation programs. This paper seeks to calculate the sediment yield and maximum outflow from the Sarada river basin located in the western hills of Nepal using the computer-graphic Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model. Asymmetry coefficient of 0.63 was calculated, which suggests a possibility of large floods to come in the river basin in the future whereas the maximum outflow from the river basin was 1918 m³ s−1. An erosion coefficient value of 0.40 was obtained, which indicates surface erosion of medium strength prevails in the river basin. Similarly, the gross soil loss rate of 10.74 Mg ha−1 year−1 was obtained with the IntErO modeling which compares well with the soil loss from the erosion plot measurements. The IntErO model was used for the very first time to calculate soil erosion rates in the Nepalese hills and has a very good opportunity to be applied in similar river basins.

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Monitoring and Estimating Soil Loss in Agricultural Areas - Case Studies in Chania, Crete, Greece

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-6578 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anthi Eirini Vozinaki ◽

Dimitris Alexakis ◽

Ioannis Tsanis

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Case Studies ◽

Soil Quality ◽

Soil Loss ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Sediment Traps ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Yearly Average

Olive and vine orchards in the island of Crete suffer from extreme soil erosion due to intense rainfall, farm slope and/or the intensification of tilling processes. This research aims to assess the impacts of agricultural practices, land use, and vegetation cover on the quantity of erosion processes in three study areas located in Western Crete. These areas provide the case studies of soil loss (erosion/deposition) monitoring analysis and assessment process. Advanced research treatments of Soil Improving Cropping Systems (SICS) are implemented and tested in three different crop types: (1) Crop cover treatment (i.e. seed with vetch) applied in vineyards (Vitis vinifera) in Alikampos; (2) Tilled treatment applied in Olive orchards (Olea europaea cv. Koroneiki) in Astrikas; and (3) Crop switch treatment from Orange trees to Avocados applied in Koufos. It is notable that an avocado farm, besides providing financial benefits, can also maintain a superior overall soil quality. Soil erosion has not been measured yet for avocados, however, avocado plantations are proposed as a sustainable alternative. Soil loss is estimated for the aforementioned case studies, by comparing the results from treatments applied in SICS areas, with the Control areas, where no treatment has taken place. Three different methodologies are used in order to identify soil loss amount: (a) Sediment traps (all sites); (b) Cross sections measurement (Alikampos and Astrikas) and (c) Soil deposition reference sticks (Alikampos and Koufos). Preliminary results show that soil loss values (tn/ha), are absolute values of erosion/deposition, and range from 2.33 to 16.41 tn/ha for vineyards with no vetch (Control), from 1.64 to 13.46 tn/ha for vineyards with vetch (SICS), from 2.21 to 15.66 tn/ha for no tilled olive orchards (Control), from 0.43 to 5.8 tn/ha for tilled olive orchards (SICS), from 2.63 to 10.05 tn/ha for orange orchards (Control), and from 2.24 to 8.95 tn/ha for avocado orchards (SICS). In addition, the ongoing research has already yielded the following yearly average soil loss rates (tn/ha/yr): vineyards &#8211; Control 6.883 tn/ha/yr versus vineyards &#8211; SICS 6.587 tn/ha/yr; olive orchards -&#160; Control 7.019 tn/ha/yr versus olive orchards &#8211; SICS 3.215 tn/ha/yr; and orange orchards &#8211; Control 6.406 tn/ha/yr versus avocados &#8211; SICS 5.386 tn/ha/yr. The above field results are also in general agreement with the yearly average soil erosion rates in the island of Crete, modeled by several researchers. All study sites show mitigation of soil loss and improvement of soil quality from the application of SICS treatments. Therefore, it is recommended to raise farmers&#8217; awareness about their effectiveness in order to confront the consequences of soil degradation.Keywords: Soil Loss; Sediment Traps; Soil Improving Cropping Systems; CreteThe research leading to these results is funded by H2020 program under grant agreement n&#176; 633814 (SOILCARE).

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