INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN OF SEDIMENT AND ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IN WATERSHEDS, A CASE STUDY IN CHINA

1 INTRODUCTION Soil erosion is serious in Western China. With the implementation of a development strategy for western China, soil and water conservation and ecological restoration in western China earn more attention because economic development requires parallel efforts on ecological restoration. To protect the ecology of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, integrated management of sediment and ecological restoration are being conducted in Sichuan Province. The Yufeng Watershed…     

Gully erosion and expansion mechanisms in loess tablelands and the scientific basis of gully consolidation and tableland protection

Gully erosion is serious in the tableland area of the Loess Plateau due to high-intensity human activities and extreme rainfall, which cause serious soil loss and an increasing tableland shrinkage rate. Severe gully erosion has exerted a notable negative impact on local agriculture, human life and socioeconomic development. In recent decades, progress has been made in soil and water conservation with the goal of reducing soil erosion and protecting loess tableland, but basic research on gully co...     

DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL EROSION INDEX MODEL IN TAIWAN WATERSHEDS

1 INTRODUCTIONSoil erosion of land surface caused by over development has become more and more serious.Environmental damage resulted from accelerated soil erosion has attracted much attention especi ally overthe past 20 years. Soil erosion stUdies have focused primarily on soil characteristics and climaticvariations. Great achievements have been made in understanding the mechanism of soil erosion, whichallows the develoPment of evaluation models for all types of soil erosion problems. Th…     

Effects of grass contour hedgerow systems on controlling soil erosion in red soil hilly areas,Southeast China

Soil erosion by water is a well-recognized serious environmental problem in the world.While contour hedgerow systems are an effective method for soil water conservation,there are a few studies on its effect in the red soil hilly areas in Southeast China.With a fixed field experiment,we constructed a runoff plot at hilly area in Zhuji County,Zhejiang province,to evaluate the effect of the grass hedgerows in soil water conservation,and to determine the optimized hedgerow patterns.Hemerocallis citrine(HC)and Ophiopogon japonicas(OJ) were selected to build the hedgerows in patterns of one row and two rows.The REE method was used to trace the source of the sediment for a better understanding of the characteristic and mechanism of erosion with hedgerows control.Our results showed that(1) hedgerows reduced erosion and surface runoff by 31.99-67.22%and 15.44-45.11%,respectively;(2) hedgerows delayed the development of rills;(3) hedgerows reduced the soil nutrients loss;(4) hedgerows reshaped the soil physical properties,especially in increasing > 0.25 mm water-stable aggregates.Taken together,our results suggest that two-row OJ is the optimized contour hedgerow pattern in the experiment condition,and downward sloping land should have the highest priority to take measures for soil water conservation.This research comprehensively studied the effects and mechanism of contour hedgerows in controlling soil and water loss in red soil hilly areas,Southeast China,so that the practice of soil and water conservation can be implemented more effectively in these areas.     

Assessment of the impacts of land-use change and slope position on soil loss by magnetic susceptibility-based models

Soil loss is a global environmental problem resulting from the erosion process caused by many factors,including land use and slope position. Estimation of total soil loss from agricultural fields is useful for understanding the consequences of historical and current erosion. The main purposes of the current study are to explore the application of magnetic measurements in the mapping and measuring soil redistribution in cultivated(MZ13) and forested(MZ17) transects in a Moroccan subcatchment, to ...     

EVALUATION OF RILL AND EPHEMERAL GULLY EROSION IN CULTIVATED AREAS OF NAVARRE （SPAIN）

Although there is much evidence of intense soil erosion in cultivated areas of Navarre （Spain）, scarce information currently is available regarding soil loss rates, the spatial and temporal distribution of erosion, and the factors controlling these processes. Rills and ephemeral gullies are frequently responsible for a high percentage of total soil erosion, and these features can be considered a good approximation for the minimum erosion rates. With the main purpose of determining the annual soil loss rates in cultivated areas of Central Navarre, a detailed assessment of rainfall and rill and gully erosion was made in 19 small watersheds cultivated with winter grains or vineyards. The study period spanned from 1995 to 2001. For cereal watersheds, soil losses were caused by only one or two rainfall events each year. High erosion rates were observed （0.20-11.50 kg/m^2 per year）. In vineyards, soil losses were caused by several rainfall events each year, occurring year round. High erosion rates were observed in these vineyards （0.33 y 16.19 kg/m^2 per year）. No erosion was observed in those cultivated watersheds with no-till practices. It can be concluded that rill and ephemeral gully erosion can be very significant in Mediterranean regions, and much more attention should be paid to the problem.     

THE EQUIVALENT SLOPE - A NEW METHOD FOR CALCULATING SOIL LOSS FROM IRREGULAR SLOPES

he slopes in field conditions are always irregular, but the supposed uniform slopes are used in most erosion models. Some studies used several uniform slopes to approximate an irregular slope for estimating soil erosion. This approximation is both time-consuming and weak in physical insights. In this paper, the concept of equivalent slope is presented based on that runoff potential on uniform slope is equal to that of irregular slope, and the equivalent uniform slope is used to estimate soil erosion instead of the irregular slopes. The estimated results of slope-length factors for convex and concave slopes are consistent with those from the method of Foster and Wischmeier, The experiments in the southern part of the Loess Plateau in China confirmed the applicability of the present method. The method is simple and has, to some extent, clear physical meanings, and is applicable for estimating soil erosion from irregular slopes.     

A preliminary study on vegetation-erosion dynamics and its applications

The development of vegetation in mountainous and hilly areas depends on the local climate, precipitation, soil texture, parent material, topography, soil erosion, types of land use and human activities. Among them, soil erosion is an important natural factor and impacts the vegetation development directly and indirectly, changing the morphology and even changing the cli-mate. An erosion-induced efflux of carbon is about 1.14 billion tons per year totally from soil to the at-mosphere, which gen…     

Loess erosion change modeling during heavy rainfall

A typical gully sub-basin with a complex geomorphological form is used to do a model test of gravity erosion of loess by considering the sequence of slopes in a prototype gully creating a sequence of underlying surface forms in the upper reaches. The results show that the runoff from heavy rainfall is the main external force for the erosion of loess, and also is an important influencing factor to stimulate and intensify the development of gravity erosion. The soil structure and the height of the...     

ESTIMATION OF SOIL EROSION IN A RESERVOIR WATERSHED USING ^137CS FALLOUT RADIONUCLIDE

Sedimentation from soil erosion is a critical reservoir watershed management issue. Due to the difficulty of field investigations, empirical formulas are commonly used to estimate the soil erosion rate. However, these estimations are often far from accurate. An effective alternative to estimating soil erosion is to analyze the spatial variation of 137Cs inventory in the soil. 137Cs can be adsorbed by the soil and is widely assumed to change its distribution only when disturbed by rainfall and human activities. Thus, 137Cs distributed in soils can be a useful environmental tracer to estimate soil erosion. In this study, the net soil loss estimate is 108,346 t/yr and the gross erosion and net erosion rates are 10.1 and 9 t/ha yr respectively. The sediment delivery ratio is therefore estimated to be 0.9 based on the two erosion rates. Because of the steep hillsides in the watershed, only 10% of the sediment yield stayed in the deposition sites and 90% was transported to the river as the sediment output. Soil erosion estimates from spatial variations of the 137Cs activity in the Baishi river watershed showed satisfactory accuracy when compared to sediment yield data. Using soil 137Cs concentrations is therefore a feasible method for estimating soil loss or deposition in Taiwan. Data sampling, analysis and result of this approach are given in this paper.     

太湖流域非点源污染特征与控制

太湖流域非点源污染已经相当严重,直接威胁太湖流域的水环境安全.本文综述了太湖流域非点源污染来源于:农业生产的化肥、农药污染;畜禽水产养殖污染;城市地表径流面源和道路线源污染;城镇、农村生活污水的非达标排放;大气的干湿沉降等.并分析了太湖流域非点源污染的影响因素以及时空分布特点,最后从控制非点源污染源和污染物输移过程提出控制和治理非点源污染的措施.     

Interrill erosion in the sloping lands of northern Laos subjected to shifting cultivation

In this study our main objective was to quantify water interrill erosion in the sloping lands of Southeast Asia, one of the most bio‐geochemically active regions of the world. Investigations were performed on a typical hillslope of Northern Laos subjected to slash and burn agriculture practiced as shifting cultivation. Situations with different periods of the shifting cultivation cycle (secondary forest, upland rice cultivation following a four‐year fallow period and three‐year continuous upland rice cultivation) and soil orders (Ultisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols) were selected. One metre square micro‐plots were installed to quantify the soil material removed by either detachment of entire soil aggregate or aggregate destruction, and the detached material transported by thin sheet flow, the main mechanisms of interrill erosion. In addition, laboratory tests were carried out to quantify the aggregate destruction in the process of water erosion by slaking, dispersion and mechanical breakdown. The average runoff coefficient (R) evaluated throughout the 2002 rainy season was 30·1 per cent and the interrill erosion was 1413 g m^?2 yr^?1 for sediments and 68 g C m^?2 yr^?1 for soil organic carbon, which was relatively high. Among the mechanisms of interrill water erosion, aggregate destruction was low and mostly caused by mechanical breakdown due to raindrops, thus leading to the conclusion that detachment and further transport by the shallow runoff of macro‐aggregates predominates. R ranged from 23·1 to 35·8 per cent. It decreased with the proportion of mosses on the soil surface and soil surface coverage, and increased with increasing proportion of structural crust, thus confirming previous results. Water erosion varied from 621 to 2433 g m^?2 yr^?1 for sediments and from 31 to 146 g C m^?2 yr^?1 for soil organic carbon, and significantly increased with increasing clay content of the surface horizon, probably due to the formation of easily detachable and transportable sand‐size aggregates, and proportion of macro‐aggregates not embedded in the soil matrix and prone to transport. In addition, water erosion decreased with increasing proportion of structural crusts, probably due to their higher hardness, and when cultivation follows a fallow period rather than after a long period of cultivation due to the greater occurrence of algae on the soil surface, which affords physical protection and greater aggregate stability through binding and gluing. This study based on simultaneous field and laboratory investigations allowed successful identification and quantification of the main erosion mechanisms and controlling factors of interrill erosion, which will give arguments to further set up optimal strategies for sustainable use of the sloping lands of Southeast Asia. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Historical aspects of soil erosion in the Mejerda catchment,Tunisia

Abstract

Agricultural use and related water erosion may lead to significant changes in the sedimentological and hydrological characteristics of watersheds, and therefore negative consequences for rural development. This research aimed to put present-day soil erosion of the important Mejerda catchment into a historical context. The catchment of Wadi Mejerda in northern Tunisia has experienced soil erosion due to weather and human impacts for thousands of years. We used historical texts and results from archaeological research that go back to 1000 BC, as well as data collected during the last century. Soil erosion from different types of agricultural landscape management was analysed together with information on the soils' production potential, the hydrographic network and flood frequency. The results showed that water erosion has increased the hydrographic network by 65 km and increased the deltaic plain by as much as 15 km²/century. However, soil productivity has decreased significantly. Moreover, due to in channel sedimentation and river choking, the number of flooding occurrences has multiplied over the last century. Finally, it is shown that water erosion follows a specific cycle of degradation throughout the watershed. These findings should be considered for better water and soil management in the context of semi-arid areas.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz

Citation Jebari, S., Berndtsson, R., Lebdi, F., and Bahri, A., 2012. Historical aspects of soil erosion in the Mejerda catchment. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (5), 901–912.     

Another Important Factor of Rising Sea Level: Soil Erosion

Global mean sea level is a sensitive factor of climate change. Global warming will contribute to worldwide sea‐level rise from thermal expansion of ocean water, melting of glaciers and polar ice. Consideration of global soil erosion, water vapor cycle, and hydraulic actions suggests that soil erosion is another important factor contributing to sea‐level rise in addition to global warming. Much terrestrial sediment flows into the rivers each year but cannot be replenished, resulting in land surface declines. Moreover, sediment flow into rivers and oceans contributes to rising sea level. Ecological protection measure was proposed to prevent rising sea levels caused by soil erosion. This commentary should be useful to attract attention on rising sea levels caused by soil erosion.     

滇池东北部沿岸带生态修复技术研究及工程示范--环境恶化、生态退化现状及其成因

本文作为“滇池沿岸带生态修复技术研究及工程示范”系列研究论文之一,主要研究了滇池东北部沿岸带环境恶化与生态退化现状、成因及妨碍自然生态恢复的主要限制因素．风浪强烈侵蚀、湖底坚硬贫瘠、水质严重污染、大型水生植物和底栖动物消失,滇池东北部沿岸带已经蜕变成了“水域荒漠”．湖滩湿地围垦、人工岸堤修建和水质污染是导致沿岸带环境恶化、生态退化的主要原因,强烈的风浪冲刷和严重的水质污染是阻碍沿岸带自然生态恢复的主要限制因素．生态恢复必须从基础环境改造入手,实施生态修复．     

地震灾害对环境与生态的影响——不容忽视的可持续发展问题

地震及其链生灾害除造成人员伤亡和经济损失等直接影响外,还可造成水污染、土壤污染、大气污染等环境问题,也可造成土壤侵蚀、耕地退化、动物栖息地丧失、生物多样性退化等生态灾难。本文总结了近年来部分造成环境与生态影响的地震案例,讨论了相关学者对相应影响机制和机理的研究及减少影响的可能措施和面临的问题。随着我国经济社会的快速发展,科学开展地震及其链生灾害对环境与生态影响的研究、采取有效的震前设防和震后断链措施是切实防范重大风险、保持经济社会和环境可持续发展的重要考量。     

Erosion and runoff reduction potential of vetiver grass for hill slopes: A physical model study

Severe erosion is caused by intense rainfall in tropical regions. The erodible soil of steep hill slopes, accompanied by destruction of vegetation due to human interventions results in accelerated erosion. A sustainable and cost-effective solution such as vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is, thus, required to control the erosion process. In the current study, 6 small-scale glass models: 1 bare and 5 with vetiver grass, having a slope angle of 37° have been constructed. One year after planting, artificial rainfall of extremely high intensity was applied to all 6 small models and the role of vetiver canopy and roots in erosion and runoff control was observed. To see the effect of soil texture, one among these 5 models was made with silty sand and others contained sandy silt. The results demonstrated that, for sandy silt, the inclusion of vetiver reduced the soil loss by 94%–97%, and soil detachment rates were lowered by 95%. The average runoff also was reduced by 21%. The canopy cover showed a positive impact on reducing both quantities. An increase in average root diameter from 1.6 to 2.5 mm increases the soil loss due to its negative impact on added cohesion. The added cohesion showed a linearly negative correlation with soil loss. A composite system of vetiver and jute geotextile was most effective in erosion reduction among 4 vegetated models with sandy silt. Under same vetiver planting layout, the grass covered model of silty sand yielded 84% lower erosion and 62.5% lower runoff than the grass covered one with sandy silt. Thus, vetiver was more effective in erosion and runoff reduction for soil with a greater percentage of sand, and soil type dominated the erosion process.     

Assessment of soil factors controlling ephemeral gully erosion on agricultural fields

The soil factor is crucial in controlling and properly modeling the initiation and development of ephemeral gullies (EGs). Usually, EG initiation has been related to various soil properties (i.e. sealing, critical shear stress, moisture, texture, etc.); meanwhile, the total growth of each EG (erosion rate) has been linked with proper soil erodibility. But, despite the studies to determine the influence of soil erodibility on (ephemeral) gully erosion, a universal approach is still lacking. This is due to the complex relationship and interactions between soil properties and the erosive process. A feasible soil characterization of EG erosion prediction on a large scale should be based on simple, quick and inexpensive tests to perform. The objective of this study was to identify and assess the soil properties – easily and quickly to determine – which best reflect soil erodibility on EG erosion. Forty‐nine different physical–chemical soil properties that may participate in establishing soil erodibility were determined on agricultural soils affected by the formation of EGs in Spain and Italy. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and in the field (in the vicinity of the erosion paths). Because of its importance in controlling EG erosion, five variables related to antecedent moisture prior to the event that generated the gullies and two properties related to landscape topography were obtained for each situation. The most relevant variables were detected using multivariate analysis. The results defined 13 key variables: water content before the initiation of EGs, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, relative sealing index, two granulometric and organic matter indices, seal permeability, aggregates stability (three index), crust penetration resistance, shear strength and an erodibility index obtained from the Jet Test erosion apparatus. The latter is proposed as a useful technique to evaluate and predict soil loss caused by EG erosion. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.