Title: Soil erosion on land cultivated and drained for afforestation
Author: P.A. Carling
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
Soil erosion from forest furrows on certain susceptible soils may represent a loss of a valuable resource and, at the same time, soil entering streams may result in environmental problems. Erosion can be controlled by careful site preparation including a consideration of the effective spacing of cross-drains which prevent furrow run-off building up to excessive levels. This report considers the erosion process and the question of identifying preferred cross-drain spacings on a rigorous scientific basis.
Soil erosion in plough furrows has been monitored at three different locations in Scotland for some 18 months. The degree of erosion at given intervals down furrows has been considered as a function of the distance from the furrow head (a surrogate for water discharge) and the local gradient of the slope. Critical thresholds for erosion also have been examined in a laboratory flume.
The various data have been analysed using (a) multiple regression techniques, and (b) through the application of the streampower concept. Formulae are presented which can be used to estimate the critical spacing for cross-drains which would preclude significant erosion on a variety of slopes. However further data are needed to refine these relationships to provide robust estimation procedures. To this end, further fundamental field and laboratory work, is identified.
Publisher: Freshwater Biological Association
Publication Date: 1989
Publication Place: Ambleside
Subject Keywords: Erosion; Erosion control; Forest management; Forestry; Regression analysis; Mathematical models; Drainage; Environmental control; Environmental degradation; Soil; Vegetation; Geology
Geographic Keywords: Scotland
Extent: 22; + figures
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/fbalc:60
Total file downloads: 21
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