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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302020
Title: Terrace effects on soil erosion processes in a watershed of the loess plateau

Author
item HUI, SHAO - Northwest Agricultural & Forestry University
item Baffaut, Claire
item JIANEN, GAO - Northwest Agricultural & Forestry University

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/24/2014
Publication Date: 7/27/2014
Citation: Hui, S., Baffaut, C., Jianen, G. 2014. Terrace effects on soil erosion processes in a watershed of the loess plateau [abstract]. Soil and Water Conservation Society. Oral presentation.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Terraces in crop fields are one of the most important soil and water conservation measures that affect runoff and erosion processes in a watershed. In this paper, terrace effects on soil erosion and sediment transport in the upstream and middle sections of the Weihe River basin in the Loess Plateau were analyzed using the newly developed terrace algorithm within the SWAT model. Monthly runoff and seasonal sediment yield data between 1960 and 1969 were used to calibrate and validate the model when only a small amount of terraces and reservoirs were installed. The model was then modified to represent terraces based on the survey data. Results indicated that, between 2000 and 2009, terraces in the watershed significantly decreased average annual sediment yields in the upstream and middle sections of the Weihe River by 28 million tons, which is about 10.6% of the sediment transported without terraces. Terraces were also estimated to have decreased sediment transport at the outlet of the watershed by 16.2 million tons per year. The unit area sediment reduction from terrace installation was 3000 t/km2. These effects were important for sediment transport and deposition control, and water quality improvement in the Weihe River basin of the Loess Plateau. Scientists, water resources managers and conservationists will benefit from this algorithm that provides a process-based tool for evaluating and optimizing terrace installation effects at watershed scale.