Physical soil degradation induced by deforestation and slope modification in a temperate‐humid environment
Author(s) -
Varela M.E.,
De Blas E.,
Benito E.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.456
Subject(s) - deforestation (computer science) , temperate climate , environmental science , bulk density , soil retrogression and degradation , erosion , levelling , land degradation , degradation (telecommunications) , porosity , aggregate (composite) , soil science , land use , hydrology (agriculture) , geotechnical engineering , geology , soil water , materials science , geomorphology , ecology , engineering , telecommunications , geodesy , computer science , biology , programming language , composite material
Abstract Between February 1998 and March 1999 physical soil degradation was studied in temperate‐humid NW Spain after deforestation and slope modification. Changes in bulk density, total porosity, pore size distribution, aggregate stability and soil mechanical strength indicated the degradation process. Slope levelling produced the greatest impact. A rapid recovery of physical properties was observed, with the exception of those related to the soil mechanical strength. The increased soil erosion needs agronomic studies to understand the long‐term benefits and adverse aspects of the land‐use changes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.