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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #122843
Title: LAND DEGRADATION AS A RESULT OF WATER EROSION IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY OF MEXICO CITY

Author
item Norton, Lloyd
item VENTURA, E - UNIV. QUERETARO, MEXICO
item FIGUEROA, B - MONTECILLO, MEXICO
item OROPEZA, J - MONTECILLO, MEXICO

Submitted to: International Conference on Land Degradation
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/7/2001
Publication Date: 9/15/2001
Citation: Norton, L.D., Ventura, E., Figueroa, B., Oropeza, J.L. Land degradation as a result of water erosion in the central valley of Mexico City. International Conference on Land Degradation. 2001. Abstract. p. 1.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The valley of Mexico is one of the most populous places on earth. Although rainfall is low and infrequent, there is considerable soil erosion by water and land destruction due to high intensity storms, steep slopes, highly erodible volcanic derived soils and disturbance by man. The disturbance by man was accelerated with European colonization of the area and is intensified today by population pressures that push activities onto more marginal hilly lands. We have conducted several studies to document the problems of reclaiming the degraded lands, study the soil erosion processes, understand the nature of the soils of volcanic origin and their unique properties and to develop methods to control erosion when these soils are reclaimed and disturbed. This paper will present data from rainfall simulation studies on reclaimed "tepetates" that have been degraded and on soil properties of various tepetates that occur in the region. We also will present data on laboratory experiments aimed at developing erosion control strategies for these degraded, reclaimed and disturbed lands.