Project Number: 6408-13000-012-11
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 30, 2001
End Date: Sep 30, 2006

Objective:
Improve current understanding and characterization of soil erosion processes associated with ephemeral gullies on agricultural fields in upland areas. Develop, test, and verify a simple numerical model to predict the occurrence and severity of ephemeral gully erosion, one which is capable of simulating management practices that reduce soil losses.

Approach:
The formation of ephemeral gullies can significantly increase soil losses from agricultural lands and severely impact farm productivity. Yet current soil-loss assessment programs are unable to address these erosional channels. Moreover, few data exist on the physical characteristics of actively eroding gullies. Collaborative experimental, numerical, and field research will examine the physical and hydrologic characteristics of ephemeral gully erosion on agricultural fields. A new model will be developed that will predict the location, severity, and mitigation of ephemeral gullies, one that is requested by the NRCS for field-office application. Cooperation between the leading scientists in these fields from the ARS and the Catholic University of Leuven will develop, enhance, and extend the capabilities of these tools.