ARS | Publication request: EFFECTS OF SEEPAGE CONDITION ON SOIL EROSION FOR A CLAY LOAM SOIL

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 29, 1995
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Seepage on the hillslope produces an area susceptible to surface erosion. A laboratory study was conducted to quantify the effects of seepage on soil erosion for a Glynwood clay loam. A 5-m long, 1.2-m wide soil box with adjustable slope gradient and water table control was used. Erosion from simulated rainfall and concentrated flow was studied. Under simulated rainfall, sediment concentrations with seepage averaged 22% higher than those with free drainage. Under concentrated flow, sediment concentrations with seepage were approximately 81% higher at the 10% slope. At the 5% slope, sediment concentrations were six times higher for a surface under 20 cm seepage pressure as compared to a surface drained for 7 days. Seepage greatly increased soil erosion because of its effects on head cut development.