Article
Soil Science
Xinliang Wu, Sixu Yao, Jinxing Zhou
Summary: The coupling effect of slaking and mechanical breakdown on aggregate stability was evaluated using a new method. This method can partition the unique and shared effects of these two breakdown mechanisms and showed better performance in predicting soil erosion compared to existing methods.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xian Tang, Jingchi Qiu, Yuqi Xu, Jianhua Li, Jiahui Chen, Bo Li, Ying Lu
Summary: Soil aggregate stability is influenced by soil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN). This study investigated the effects of different land-use types on soil aggregate stability, aggregate-associated OC and TN contents, and their relationships under sheet erosion condition. The results showed that woodland soil had the highest water-stable aggregate content, mean weighted diameter, geometric mean diameter, and aggregate-associated OC and TN. These differences were mainly due to the variations in aggregate size distributions induced by soil erosion. Soil aggregate-associated OC and TN contents decreased with increasing aggregate sizes. The interactions among soil aggregate-associated OC, TN, and physicochemical properties contributed to 81.7% of aggregate stability. This study highlights the importance of OC and TN in maintaining soil aggregate stability under sheet erosion condition and suggests the implementation of appropriate agricultural and engineering strategies to enhance aggregate-associated OC and TN for soil erosion control.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miaomiao Yang, Qinke Yang, Keli Zhang, Chunmei Wang, Guowei Pang, Yuru Li
Summary: This study assessed the effects of rock fragments on soil erosion and sediment yield at a global scale. The results showed that rock fragments have a significant impact on soil erodibility. The presence of rock fragments increased soil erodibility, but in mountainous and desert areas, rock fragments reduced soil erodibility. The study also identified elevation and slope gradient as important factors influencing the effect of rock fragments on soil erosion.
INTERNATIONAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. J. Smith, M. Snead, T. M. Thompson
Summary: The study reveals that labile organic matter plays a crucial role in improving soil aggregate stability and increasing the resistance of cohesive soil to fluvial erosion of streambanks.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Delgado, Mahrez Sadaoui, Wolfgang Ludwig, Williams Mendez
Summary: Soil erodibility (K-Factor) is an important parameter for estimating rainfall erosion through mathematical models. Analyzing soil erodibility at different depths can identify its susceptibility to erosion. However, the lack of a comprehensive field database is a major limitation in applying this method.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Smadar Tanner, Meni Ben-Hur, Eli Argaman, Itzhak Katra
Summary: This study aimed to explore the sensitivity of two Mediterranean soils to water and wind erosion. The results showed that the sensitivity of soil to erosion forces is opposite, indicating that soil erodibility depends on the erosive force applied. Furthermore, different soil properties affect the size and stability of soil aggregates, which control the rate of soil loss to erosion.
Article
Soil Science
Sanghyun Lee, Maria L. Chu, Jorge A. Guzman, Dennis C. Flanagan
Summary: A non-linear regression model was developed to estimate temporal adjustments of K-i, K-r, and tau(c) considering different crops and management practices. The predicted adjustments showed good agreements with sample data and WEPP simulations, indicating their potential use in soil erosion models.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Yusen Zhang, Lunjiang Wang, Jing Yang, Qing Wang
Summary: Wildfires increase stemflow velocity by 30-40%. Stemflow velocity is positively related to stemflow rate and tends to increase with stem height. Pine bark fissure depth and width are negatively related to stemflow velocity. Wildfires reduce soil internal friction angle and cohesion by up to 32% and 62% respectively. Enhanced stemflow velocity can cause soil erosion around the base of the trunk.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wei Fu, Jun Fan, Sheng Wang, Huan Wang, Zijun Dai, Xu Zhao, Mingde Hao
Summary: Soil erosion leads to a reduction in soil organic matter and degradation of soil structure in agricultural systems, posing threats to agricultural ecological environments and global sustainable agriculture. The addition of woody peat has been found to improve land productivity in degraded soils, particularly in red soil, by enhancing crop growth and increasing soil organic matter content. Further research is needed to explore the impact of woody peat addition on soil environments, especially in coarse-textured soils.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Han, Wenwu Zhao, Jingyi Ding, Carla Sofia Santos Ferreira
Summary: Drylands in China face the dual threat of water erosion and wind erosion. This study explores the spatial variation of soil erodibility in China's drylands and examines the effects of aridity, vegetation, and soil properties on soil erodibility. The results show that aridity has a negative effect on water erosion, while soil properties have a more pronounced effect on soil erodibility than vegetation. This study provides valuable information for implementing vegetation restoration and soil conservation measures in drylands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jue Peng, Junguang Wang, Qingsong Yang, Ling Long, Huiyan Li, Zhonglu Guo, Chongfa Cai
Summary: The spatial variations in soil aggregate stability and erodibility in the Mollisol region of northeast China are influenced by soil properties, particularly total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and bulk density. Factors such as available potassium, saturated conductivity, and soil texture also play important roles in driving the variations of soil aggregate stability and erodibility.
Article
Ecology
Misagh Parhizkar, Mahmood Shabanpour, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Demetrio Antonio Zema
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of rice husk biochar on rill erosion in deforested hillslopes in Northern Iran. The results showed that the treated soil had a 32% lower rill detachment capacity and a 79% lower erodibility compared to the control. Rice husk biochar was found to effectively control and mitigate soil detachment, and improve organic matter content and aggregate stability.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Shiqi Chen, Guanghui Zhang, Pingzong Zhu, Chengshu Wang, Yuanqiang Wan
Summary: Land use type can impact soil properties and plant community characteristics, which in turn affect soil erodibility. The conversion from natural forestland to cropland leads to serious soil erosion due to irrational land use. Few studies have assessed the potential effect of land use type on soil erodibility at small watershed scale. This study quantified the effects of six typical land use types on soil erodibility in a small watershed in northeast China. The results showed significant variations in soil properties and erosion indices among different land use types.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nishani Moragoda, Mukesh Kumar, Sagy Cohen
Summary: This paper synthesizes the existing knowledge on how soil moisture affects the erosion resistance of soil, highlights the importance of incorporating this relationship into sediment yield assessment models, and discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with it.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Yong Wang, Jiaqi Wang, Zhenzhen Ma, Xinlan Liang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of polyacrylamide (PAM) application on the aggregate stability of purple soil in hilly areas of southwestern China. Different breakdown mechanisms were observed at different hillslope locations. The results provide insights into the proper application of soil amendments to control soil and water loss in purple soils.
Article
Development Studies
Samuel Tumwesigye, Matthias Vanmaercke, Lisa-Marie Hemerijckx, Alfonse Opio, Jean Poesen, Ronald Twongyirwe, Anton Van Rompaey
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, but this process is not always sustainable. Few studies have examined the importance of secondary towns in this urbanization process. By analyzing the population growth patterns in Uganda, it is found that secondary towns with over 50,000 inhabitants have the highest population growth rates, suggesting the need for investments in their socio-economic infrastructure.
DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Etefa Guyassa, Amaury Frankl, Miro Jacob, Amanuel Zenebe, Abebe Damtew, Motuma Tolera, Katrien Descheemaeker, Jean Poesen, Jan Nyssen
Summary: Despite the establishment of exclosures in the semi-arid environments of north Ethiopia for rehabilitation of degraded areas, its effectiveness is constrained by water deficit. This study evaluated the effects of spate irrigation on the growth of trees in exclosures. The results showed that the irrigated exclosures had higher vegetation diversity and tree density, indicating better tree growth compared to non-irrigated areas.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Agnese Innocenti, Veronica Pazzi, Lorenzo Borselli, Massimiliano Nocentini, Luca Lombardi, Giovanni Gigli, Riccardo Fanti
Summary: This paper presents a back-analysis study on the Pomarico landslide in Italy, using the limit equilibrium model (LEM) and the SSAP software. The study reveals the instability of the slope in relation to the water table level and provides insights into the causes and damages of the landslide.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Federico Di Traglia, Lorenzo Borselli, Teresa Nolesini, Nicola Casagli
Summary: The failures of volcanic crater-rims can lead to the avalanches of glowing rocks, which pose a serious threat to inhabited areas. This study analyzed the slope stability of the crater-rim of Stromboli volcano in Italy and found that the collapses were frequently associated with high-level of magma. The researchers considered various factors, such as the nonlinear failure envelopes of volcaniclastic material and seismic ground acceleration, in their analysis.
Article
Soil Science
Narges Kariminejad, Adel Sepehr, Jean Poesen, Ali Hassanli
Summary: This paper attempts to study the geometric features of soil piping in arid and semi-arid regions using aerial mapping systems, soil physical and chemical attributes, and near-surface geophysical survey tools. The results show that soil attributes control the occurrence of piping-related features, and the geophysical tools can determine the approximate size and structure of soil pipes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kindiye Ebabu, Gebeyehu Taye, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Enyew Adgo, Mitsuru Tsubo, Ayele Almaw Fenta, Derege Tsegaye Meshesha, Dagnenet Sultan, Dagnachew Aklog, Teshager Admasu, Bas Van Wesemael, Jean Poesen
Summary: This study examined the runoff and soil loss responses under different land management practices in three climatic regions of the Ethiopian highlands. The results showed significant variations in runoff and soil loss amounts, highlighting the importance of carefully designing and evaluating soil and water conservation measures specific to land use and climatic conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nigussie Haregeweyn, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Mitsuru Tsubo, Ayele Almaw Fenta, Kindiye Ebabu, Matthias Vanmaercke, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Mulatu Liyew Berihun, Eddy J. Langendoen, Zerihun Nigussie, Tadesual Asamin Setargie, Benedict Nzioki Maurice, Taye Minichil, Asres Elias, Jian Sun, Jean Poesen
Summary: Sustainable land management (SLM) is essential for reducing land degradation and desertification, but there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on its spatial distribution, prospects, and challenges. We analyzed data from a global SLM database, academic research papers, and found that dissemination and research on SLM were better in dry subhumid countries with medium scores on the Human Development Index (HDI), while humid countries with low HDI values had lower dissemination and research. Cropland and water erosion were the main focus areas, while other land use types and SLM purposes received less attention. The limited evidence-based SLM dissemination in countries with high soil erosion rates and low HDI scores can be addressed through integrating existing scientific research and SLM databases using the proposed Research Evidence for SLM framework. However, detailed country-specific studies are needed to develop appropriate evidence-based SLM dissemination strategies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sofie De Geeter, Gert Verstraeten, Jean Poesen, Benjamin Campforts, Matthias Vanmaercke
Summary: This study collected data and developed an empirical model to predict gully head density at high resolution in Africa. The model showed that gully occurrences mainly depend on slope steepness, soil texture, and vegetation cover, and to a lesser extent on rainfall intensity and tectonic activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Soil Science
Ranjan Bhattacharyya, Arti Bhatia, Birendra N. Ghosh, Priyabrata Santra, Debashis Mandal, Gopal Kumar, Raman Jeet Singh, Madegowda Madhu, Avijit Ghosh, Arup K. Mandal, Ranjan Paul, Ashim Datta, Parbodh C. Sharma, Uttam K. Mandal, Pramod Jha, Kokkuvayil S. Anil, Manickam Lalitha, Mahesh Kumar, Nav R. Panwar, Dibyendu Sarkar, Ashok K. Patra, Sumanta Kundu, Michael A. Fullen, Jean Poesen, Bhabani Sankar Das, Nagarjuna N. Reddy, Suresh K. Chaudhari
Summary: Current soil degradation in India is driven by population growth, industrialization, agriculture, urbanization, and human activities. Inappropriate agricultural practices are a major cause of land degradation. Soil degradation poses a threat to livelihoods and socio-economic development. Soil science research and conservation agricultural approaches are needed to address soil degradation and improve soil health in India.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
M. J. Casabella-Gonzalez, L. Borselli, J. V. Garcia-Meza
Summary: Soil erosion by water is a significant form of soil degradation, and an improved version of the MPSIAC model has been proposed to assess erosion rates and sediment yield accurately. The improvements made to the model simplify field and laboratory work and can be applied to watershed management with similar conditions worldwide. The enhancements include selecting microcatchment size, adding a new categorization level for sediment yield, and calculating rain concentration time and modified erodibility factor K. Sensitivity analysis reveals that runoff, surface erosion, and channel erosion parameters are the most important, while soil factor K is the least sensitive parameter. These improvements will aid in decision-making and selecting appropriate soil erosion control measures for specific locations.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
F. Di Traglia, S. Calvari, L. Borselli, L. Cassanego, F. Giudicepietro, G. Macedonio, T. Nolesini, N. Casagli
Summary: In this study, the tsunamigenic event at Stromboli volcano in Italy on 30 December 2002, induced by volcanic landslides, is re-examined using visible images and slope stability analysis. The study presents the results of stability analyses and a sequence of photos collected before the collapse. The findings suggest that the landslides triggering the 2002 Stromboli tsunami were the result of a lateral magma intrusion destabilizing the slope.
Article
Environmental Studies
Rosanna Bonasia, Lorenzo Borselli, Paolo Madonia
Summary: The southeast of Mexico City is an environmentally important area that has seen an increase in runoff and flooding due to rapid urban expansion. This study proposes a combination of hydrological analysis and hydrodynamic simulations to evaluate the impact of precipitation and land use on flooding. The results highlight the need to adopt measures to reduce flooding and promote infiltration in order to protect nearby areas and maintain aquifer recharge.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Renata Kolodynska-Gawrysiak, Leszek Gawrysiak, Jean Poesen, Andrzej Plak
Summary: Soil erosion in loess landscapes leads to redistribution and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) in SOC pools. Understanding SOC dynamics is crucial for understanding the impacts of SOC stock changes on global climate change. This study focuses on the impact of natural closed depressions on SOC storage in the loess landscape. Buried Holocene soils and colluvial sediments in five closed depressions were studied, and SOC stocks were calculated. GIS analysis was also used to map SOC distribution. The results show that closed depressions play an important role in SOC storage and significantly contribute to the regional SOC stock.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francis Matthews, Gert Verstraeten, Pasquale Borrelli, Matthias Vanmaercke, Jean Poesen, An Steegen, Aurore Degre, Belen Carceles Rodriguez, Charles Bielders, Christine Franke, Claire Alary, David Zumr, Edouard Patault, Estela Nadal-Romero, Ewa Smolska, Feliciana Licciardello, Gilles Swerts, Hans Thodsen, Javier Casali, Javier Eslava, Jean-Baptiste Richet, Jean-Francois Ouvry, Joaquim Farguell, Jolanta Swiechowicz, Joao Pedro Nunes, Lai Ting Pak, Leonidas Liakos, Miguel A. Campo-Bescos, Miroslaw Zelazny, Morgan Delaporte, Nathalie Pineux, Nathan Henin, Nejc Bezak, Noemi Lana-Renault, Ourania Tzoraki, Rafael Gimenez, Tailin Li, Victor Hugo Duran Zuazo, Vincenzo Bagarello, Vincenzo Pampalone, Vito Ferro, Xavier Ubeda, Panos Panagos
Summary: As a network of researchers, we have released an open-access database called EUSEDcollab, which contains time series records of water discharge and suspended sediment yield collected from small to medium sized catchments in Europe. EUSEDcollab was compiled to address the lack of open-access data at relevant scales for research on runoff, soil erosion, and sediment delivery. The database includes data from multiple sources that have been harmonized into a common time series and metadata structure. It covers over 1600 catchment years of data from 245 catchments across ten European countries, with temporal resolutions of event, daily, and monthly. The database focuses on small to medium sized catchment drainage areas and is applicable for soil erosion research. We have released this database with the aim of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange through the European Union Soil Observatory (EUSO).
Review
Soil Science
Ranjan Bhattacharyya, Arti Bhatia, Birendra N. N. Ghosh, Priyabrata Santra, Debashis Mandal, Gopal Kumar, Raman Jeet Singh, Madegowda Madhu, Avijit Ghosh, Arup K. K. Mandal, Ranjan Paul, Ashim Datta, Parbodh C. C. Sharma, Uttam K. K. Mandal, Pramod Jha, Kokkuvayil S. S. Anil, Manickam Lalitha, Mahesh Kumar, Nav R. R. Panwar, Dibyendu Sarkar, Ashok K. K. Patra, Sumanta Kundu, Michael A. A. Fullen, Jean Poesen, Bhabani Sankar Das, Nagarjuna N. N. Reddy, Suresh K. K. Chaudhari
Summary: The current widespread and intensive soil degradation in India is mainly caused by factors such as population growth, industrialization, improper agricultural practices, and urban sprawl. This poses threats to livelihoods and the socio-economic stability of the country. Inappropriate agricultural practices, including excessive tillage, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, are among the major contributors to soil degradation. Soil science plays a crucial role in addressing this issue, but there are knowledge gaps that need to be addressed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)