scholarly journals Soil erosion assessment and control in Northeast Wollega, Ethiopia

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 3511-3540 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Adugna ◽  
A. Abegaz ◽  
A. Cerdà
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Slope Length ◽  
Soil Erosion Control ◽  
Soil Losses

Abstract. Soil erosion is the main driver of land degradation in Ethiopia, and in the whole region of East Africa. This study was conducted at the Northeast Wollega in West Ethiopia to estimate the soil losses by means of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). The purpose of this paper is to identify erosion spot areas and target locations for appropriate development of soil and water conservation measures. Fieldwork and household survey were conducted to identify major determinants of soil erosion control. Six principal factors were used to calculate soil loss per year, such as rainfallerosivity, soil erodiblity, slope length, slope steepness, crop management and erosion-control practices. The soil losses have shown spatio-temporal variations that range from 4.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in forest to 65.9 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in cropland. Results from the analysis of stepwise multiple linear regression show that sustainable soil erosion control are determined byknowledge of farmers about soil conservation, land tenure security and off-farm income at community level. Thus, policy aim at keeping land productivity will need to focus on terracing, inter-cropping and improved agro-forestry practices.

scholarly journals Modelisation Du Risque D’érosion Hydrique Par L’équation Universelle Des Pertes En Terre Dans Le Rif Occidental: Cas Du Bassin Versant De Moulay Bouchta (Maroc)

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anis Zouagui ◽  
Mohamed Sabir ◽  
Mustapha Naimi ◽  
Mohamed Chikhaoui ◽  
Moncef Benmansour
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Rate ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Land Development ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Slope Length ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Effect Of Support ◽  
Soil Losses

Soil erosion causes many environmental and socio-economic problems: loss of biodiversity, decrease in the productivity of agricultural land, siltation of dams and increased risk of flooding. It is therefore essential to establish a detailed evaluation of this process before any spatial planning. To evaluate the effects of soil erosion spatially and quantitatively in order to face this phenomenon, and propose the best conservation and land development strategies, the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) coupled with a geographic information system (GIS) is applied. This model is a multiplication of the five erosion factors: the erosivity of the rain, the erodibility of the soil, the inclination and the slope length, the vegetation cover and the anti-erosion practices. The study area is the Moulay Bouchta watershed (7 889 ha), which is located in the western part of the Rif Mountains, is characterized by a complex and contrasting landscape. The resulting soil loss map shows an average erosion rate of 39.5 (t/ha/yr), 87% of the basin has an erosion rate above the tolerance threshold for soil loss (7 (t/ha/yr)). Soil losses per subbasin range from 16.2 to 81.4 (t/ha/yr). The amount of eroded soil is estimated at 311,591 (t/yr), corresponding to a specific degradation of 12.1 (t/ha/yr). In the absence of any erosion control, 25% of the soil losses would reach the new dam located a little upstream of the basin outlet, reducing its water mobilization capacity to 59,625 (m3/yr). The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to soil erosion factors shows a significant influence of topographic factor (LS) on soil erosion process, followed by the effect of support practices (P), then by soil erodibility (K).

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 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 Vicia sativa Roth. Can Reduce Soil and Water Losses in Recently Planted Vineyards (Vitis vinifera L.)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 827-842
Author(s):  
Jesús Rodrigo-Comino ◽  
Enric Terol ◽  
Gaspar Mora ◽  
Antonio Giménez-Morera ◽  
Artemi Cerdà
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Sediment Concentration ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Vicia Sativa ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Soil Erosion Control ◽  
Soil Losses ◽  
Soil And Water

AbstractElevated soil loss and runoff rates can reduce soil fertility; therefore, soil erosion control strategies must be implemented at the hillslope and watershed scale when plantations are established and the soil is bare. In this research, we propose the use of the Vicia sativa Roth. to reduce the soil losses during the first year to control the peak of soil erosion after the plantation in tilled vineyards. To test its efficiency, rainfall simulation experiments were carried out with field surveys in The Casa Pago Gran, in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula. Our results demonstrate that soil properties (organic matter and soil bulk density) and soil erosion (soil loss, runoff and sediment concentration) were significantly different between the control plot (tilled) and with cover crops along with August 2016, 2017 and 2018 measurement periods, but not during January 2016, coinciding with the initial survey before the vetch sown. Runoff initiation was delayed in 3.7 times after 3 years (from 190 till 709 s). The runoff discharge was reduced by the Vicia sativa from 32.87 till 13.68%, the sediment concentration went down from 18.54 till 3.81 gr l−1 and the soil erosion from 3.36 to 0.29 Mg ha−1 year−1. An increase in soil bulk density was registered but did not affect the runoff generation either the soil losses, that was reduced by the plant cover. We conclude that it is necessary to include soil erosion control measures such as the use of Vicia sativa to reduce soil erosion processes during the first stages of the vineyard plantations due to the soil quality improvements and the reduction in soil and water losses.

scholarly journals Vegetation cover modelling for soil erosion control in agricultural watershed

2021 ◽  
Vol 653 (1) ◽  
pp. 012033
Author(s):  
A Prasetyo ◽  
C Setyawan ◽  
Ngadisih ◽  
R Tirtalistyani
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Agricultural Watershed ◽  
Soil Erosion Control

scholarly journals Soil Erosion Estimates in Arid Region: A Case Study of the Koutine Catchment, Southeastern Tunisia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 6763
Author(s):  
Mongi Ben Zaied ◽  
Seifeddine Jomaa ◽  
Mohamed Ouessar
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variability ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Soil Losses

Soil erosion remains one of the principal environmental problems in arid regions. This study aims to assess and quantify the variability of soil erosion in the Koutine catchment using the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model. The Koutine catchment is located in an arid area in southeastern Tunisia and is characterized by an annual mean precipitation of less than 200 mm. The model was used to examine the influence of topography, extreme rainstorm intensity and soil texture on soil loss. The data used for model validation were obtained from field measurements by monitoring deposited sediment in settlement basins of 25 cisterns (a traditional water harvesting and storage technique) over 4 years, from 2015 to 2018. Results showed that slope is the most controlling factor of soil loss. The average annual soil loss in monitoring sites varies between 0.01 and 12.5 t/ha/y. The storm events inducing the largest soil losses occurred in the upstream part of the Koutine catchment with a maximum value of 7.3 t/ha per event. Soil erosion is highly affected by initial and preceding soil conditions. The RUSLE model reasonably reproduced (R2 = 0.81) the spatiotemporal variability of measured soil losses in the study catchment during the observation period. This study revealed the importance of using the cisterns in the data-scarce dry areas as a substitute for the classic soil erosion monitoring fields. Besides, combining modeling of outputs and field measurements could improve our physical understanding of soil erosion processes and their controlling factors in an arid catchment. The study results are beneficial for decision-makers to evaluate the existing soil conservation and water management plans, which can be further adjusted using appropriate soil erosion mitigation options based on scientific evidence.

scholarly journals Performance Assessment of Erosion Remediation Measures and Proposal of The Best Management Practices for Erosion Control in Sebeya Catchment, Rwanda

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Félicien Majoro ◽  
Umaru Garba Wali ◽  
Omar Munyaneza ◽  
François-Xavier Naramabuye ◽  
Concilie Mukamwambali
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Remediation Measures ◽  
Soil Erosion Control

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

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.

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