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The Effect of the Degree of Slope and Rainfall Characteristics on Runoff and Soil Erosion
Author(s) -
Neal J. H.
Publication year - 1938
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1938.036159950002000c0083x
Subject(s) - citation , surface runoff , erosion , degree (music) , library science , sociology , computer science , hydrology (agriculture) , agricultural economics , geotechnical engineering , geology , economics , ecology , paleontology , biology , physics , acoustics
The factors affecting soil erosion are so many and so varied that it is difficult to determine the relative importance of each individual factor, especially under natural conditions. Even on small areas, the soil varies widely in its physical characteristics and conditions, and in its ability to produce vegetation. •• Rainfall characteristics are so varied that the erosion caused by one rain can seldom be compared with that produced by another. The moisture condition of the soil at the time of a rain, the soil structure, the surface condition and the vegetative covering are continually changing. To determine the effect of any one factor, the other factors must be held constant or measured, while the variable being studied is altered by definite increments. It is the purpose of this paper to present the results of a study of a few factors affecting erosion which were obtained by setting up a miniature laboratory-controlled field on which the degree and length of slope, the rainfall intensity and duration, and the soil conditions were regulated or measured. Rainfall intensities of 0.90, 1.50, S.OO, 3.00, and 4.00 inches per hour were employed. The slope was varied between 0 and 16 per cent, usually by geometric progression. After each rain, the soil condition was restored as nearly as possible to its original condition and the moisture content was determined.