ARS | Publication request: Run-on Sediment Effects on Soil Erosion Processes

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 18, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Runoff from upslope areas has a profound effect on erosion processes on a downslope segment. A dual-box system, consisting of a 1.8-m long sediment feeder box and a 5-m long test box, was used to quantify the run-on water and sediment effects. Experimental variables included rainfall intensity, slope gradient, near-surface hydraulic gradient and run-on sediment/water ratio. Results demonstrated that under drainage conditions, a decrease in run-on sediment content caused a corresponding increase in downslope sediment detachment, resulting in a relatively constant total sediment delivery from the run-on water in the test box. Sediment detachment from the run-on water increased as either slope or rainfall intensity was increased or when the surface was changed from a drainage to a seepage condition. These results demonstrated the capability of using the dual-box system to study erosion processes and sediment dynamics that occur on a hillslope. It was concluded that a process-based erosion model must have components that can account for surface conditions and their dynamic interactions with erosion processes for accurate predictions.