Interril erosion as an index of mined land soil erodibility

Journal Article · · Trans. ASAE; (United States)

OSTI ID:5268524

Lang, K J; Prunty, L; Schroeder, S A; Disrud, L A

A rainfall simulation technique was used to evaluate the influence of slope steepness (3 and 9%), mulch rate (0, 1.12, and 2.24 t/ha), and antecedent soil moisture conditions (dry and wet runs), on runoff, splash, soil loss in runoff and the primary particle composition of soil in splash and sediment from interril areas on two mined land topsoils. On cohesive soils that have received appreciable rainfall within a 24 hr period, surface mulch rates of 2.24 t/ha or less are ineffective in reducing interril runoff and subsequently are less effective in reducing interril erosion. Interril sediment eroded from loam and clay loam soils is enriched in primary particles of clay and fine silt while surface seal material is enriched in primary particles of coarse silt and sand. Primary particle size enrichment ratios are useful in the evaluation of variables (soil and condition, slope and cover) which influence interril erosion. Stockpiled topsoils apparently maintain some of the properties which influence erodibility (aggregate stability, dispersion and crusting) found in the soils before they were disturbed. Stockpiled topsoils which were cultivated prior to stockpiling are potentially more erodible after respreading than topsoils which were in native vegetation, other factors being equal. Interril erosion data are potentially useful as a reclamation management tool. 21 references, 4 figures, 4 tables.

• Research Organization: Montana State Univ., Bozeman
• OSTI ID: 5268524
• Journal Information: Trans. ASAE; (United States), Vol. 27:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
SOILS
EROSION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LAND POLLUTION ABATEMENT
LAND RECLAMATION
RAIN
REVEGETATION
RUNOFF
SIMULATION
SLOPE STABILITY
SOIL CONSERVATION
SPOIL BANKS
SURFACE MINING
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
MASS TRANSFER
MINING
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
STABILITY
510100* - Environment
Terrestrial- Basic Studies- (-1989)