Influence of Long-term Cropping Systems on Soil Physical Properties Related to Soil Erodibility

Effect of soil type, peat, and compaction effort on soil strength and splash detachment rates

“…This confirms the similarity in the behaviour of wash and splash which are involved in the soil erosion process. It also agrees with the assertion of Rachman et al (2003) that splash detachment is a good test for evaluating soil erodibility. Mean penetration resistance was highest in clay soil, followed by the sandy loam and the clay loam soil.…”

“…Peat reduces soil strength by just adding to the soil bulk, diluting the soil and reducing its bulk density, reducing its inter-aggregate stability and making the soil aggregates fall apart (Ekwue, 1987). Although soil strength is known to increase the resistance of soils to erosion (Rachman et al, 2003;Wuddivira, Stone, & Ekwue, 2013) and to splash detachment in particular (Bradford et al, 1992;Mouzai & Bouhadef, 2011;Nearing & Bradford, 1985), the present results suggest that peat reduces splash detachment because its material is less splashable during rainfall rather than by increasing the strength of the soil as was obtained for other organic materials like farmyard manure by Wuddivira, Stone, and Ekwue (2009) and Ekwue et al (2009).…”

“…Since splash detachment is the first step in the soil erosion process, control measures are best aimed at decreasing it (Quansah, 1981). Splash detachment is a more sensitive test than other physical measurements for evaluating changes in soil erodibility (Rachman, Anderson, Gantzer, & Thompson, 2003). Erosion control measures take the form of mechanical, agronomic and soil management measures (Morgan, 2005).…”

Short-term effects of tillage practices on soil properties under Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc. Trotter)] crop in northern Ethiopia

“…The increment of production by reduced plowing could be as a result of its effect on soil properties and thereby on an overall hydrological behaviour of the cultivated land soils (Hill, 1990;Aune et al, 2006;Özgöz et al, 2007). Other researchers (e.g., Rachman et al, 2003;Mulumba and Lal, 2008;Jabro et al, 2009) noted that it is essential to select site specific tillage practice that sustains soil properties and favors successful growth of agricultural crops in the short, medium and long-terms.…”

Role of selected riparian herbs in reducing soil erosion and nutrient loss under simulated rainfall

“…The canopy cover is effective in controlling soil loss and improving ecological environment (Linda et al 1995;Braud et al 2001;Zheng and He 2002;Gabet et al 2003;Zhang et al 2003Zhang et al , 2004Joseph 2004;Zhang et al 2004). Studies have been made to evaluate vegetation effects on soil erosion (Hou and Du 1985;Luo et al 1990;Jin et al 1992;Achmad et al 2003). The importance of vegetative cover in reducing soil erosion through water has been dealt by Gyssels et al (2002), whereas the combined impacts of plant roots and shoots on soil erosion by water and the relative contributions of the roots and shoots have been discussed in detail (Zhou and Shangguan 2007).…”