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Soil erosion by water is one of the major factors threatening agricultural production and food security. The Unit Stream Power Erosion and Deposition (USPED) model was applied to analyse spatial distribution of erosion and deposition rates in northern Ethiopia. The mean erosion and deposition rates generated from the area total 12.4 and 7.3 t ha−1 year−1, respectively. About 57% of the area lies under stable erosion and deposition severity classes, while 14% faces moderate to very severe erosion. Slight to very slight erosion accounted for ca. 10% of the total area. Less than 0.2% experienced severe and very severe deposition, whereas 7.1%, 6.8% and 5.3% faces moderate, slight and very slight deposition, respectively. Topography and land use have substantial implications for the spatial distribution of erosion/deposition rates. The USPED model has good predictive performance to quantify soil erosion and accordingly can help to identify erosion hotspot areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coast will experience some of the first and most dramatic impacts of climate change. In maritime countries like Scotland, much of the cultural heritage is located on the coast, and many rich archaeological sites are facing damage through accelerated coastal erosion and flooding from rising seas. National coastal change assessments have been carried out, and some sites such as the iconic World Heritage Site Neolithic village of Skara Brae are being individually intensively monitored, but there is a need to understand vulnerability at the site level. This paper will present ongoing research into the use of drone survey methods as the basis of site level coastal change analysis and vulnerability assessment to inform prioritization, mitigation actions, and management decisions as part of a methodology to resolve the scalar differences between large-scale assessment and site-scale threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the importance of reinforcing connections between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands and waters through co-stewardship of archaeological sites amid climate change challenges. It emphasizes the roles of archaeologists and Indigenous peoples in this process and confronts archaeological practices that neglect Indigenous perspectives and participation in the discipline. We present a case study from Wabanaki homeland in Maine, USA, focusing on the Frazer Point site—a shell heap site within Acadia National Park impacted by sea level rise and accelerated erosion. We present efforts undertaken to partner with Indigenous Nations on the care and stewardship of the Frazer Point site using language, collaborative workshops, and site visits as scaffolding for building and rebuilding relationships between people and heritage places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstable germination and emergence of upland crops in clayey paddy fields is a pressing issue. As tillage leads to the formation of large clods measuring a few centimeters, the soil moisture content in the seedbed markedly decreases, potentially inhibiting germination of seeds. Although the effect of the clod size on the soil moisture profile was confirmed experimentally, the validity of this effect has not been tested in the field. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of clod size on the moisture profile and water balance in the seedbeds of clayey paddy field. We developed an apparatus for measuring soil moisture content in the soil layer with clods. This apparatus used a laser displacement sensor and large transparent plate horizontally fixed above the soil surface. Temporal changes in the soil moisture profile (0–10 cm depth) and evaporation rate of clayey paddy fields with different clod sizes were monitored during the sowing period of soybeans. We found that the larger the mean clod diameter (MCD), the greater the decrease in soil moisture content near the soil surface. In addition, soil moisture loss at the sowing depth (5 cm) was positively correlated with MCD. In terms of the water balance, the estimated upward water flux at a depth of 5 cm was less than 1 mm d−1 across all the plots and periods. By contrast, the estimated ratio of the apparent to molecular diffusion coefficient of water vapor in the dry soil layer of clayey paddy field with an MCD of 2.5 and 1.8 cm were 5.1 and 2.0, respectively. These results suggest that more significant soil moisture loss causing reduction of germination and emergence rate can occur in a clayey paddy field with large clods, likely owing to the increased enhancement of water vapor movement. To increase the germination and emergence rate, therefore, a numerical model that can evaluate the moisture profile of soil layer with clods should be developed and the sowing depth should be optimized based on the MCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion is a critical challenge threatening agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability globally. This study presents the first estimation of water-induced soil loss in Ordu province, Turkey, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. Our analysis provides spatial insights into erosion patterns across the region, revealing that soil loss rates range from 0–5 t/ha/yr in stable areas to over 200 t/ha/yr in severely eroded regions. The mean soil loss rate is estimated at 12.58 t/ha/yr. The study identified the LS factor (slope length and steepness) as the most significant contributor to soil erosion, followed by the R factor (rainfall erosivity). These findings offer valuable insights into soil erosion dynamics, supporting sustainable soil management practices and informing erosion control strategies. The results contribute to land use planning and policy development aimed at mitigating soil degradation and enhancing agricultural resilience in Ordu province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia's metalliferous abandoned mine sites (MAMSs), pose tangible threats to the environment and human health. To address these concerns, our study utilised state-of-the-art handheld XRF technology to conduct a real-time assessment of the Mole River arsenic mine site. The data revealed notably elevated levels of arsenic and manganese, with the southeast corner of the site identified as a contaminant hotspot. We used a tiered risk assessment approach to compare the detected contaminant concentrations to the Australian health investigation levels (tier 1). This led us to a broader examination of erosion vulnerabilities and the potential migration of contaminants (tier 2). Further, a hydrological assessment (tier 3) identified significant erosion in southern regions, indicating the potential for contaminants to be transported off-site through surface water runoff to Sam's Creek and Mole River. The proximity of a reservoir to these runoff pathways brought forth additional challenges, especially during heavy rainfall events. Subsequent laboratory analysis of water samples reinforced our findings, as they confirmed heightened arsenic concentrations in Mole River downstream, accentuating the potential risks to ecosystems and human health. By integrating the XRF contour map and erosion assessment with the RUSLE model, valuable insights are gained into critical hotspots with high contamination and erosion potential. By directing rehabilitation efforts towards critical hotspots, resources can be allocated more efficiently and cost-effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCement-stabilized soil in coastal soft soil regions is essential for infrastructure construction. However, under the combined effects of seawater erosion and cyclic loading, cement-stabilized soil often faces issues such as strength degradation, reduced durability, and stiffness softening. To enhance the engineering properties of cement soil, this study utilized nano-Al2O3 as a modifier. The effects of nano-Al2O3 on the dynamic properties of cement soil under various erosion environments were assessed using the GDS dynamic triaxial system. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests were performed to study the microstructural changes in cement-stabilized soil modified with nano-Al2O3 subjected to seawater erosion. The results indicate that nano-Al2O3 significantly improves the resistance of soil to deformation. As the content of nano-Al2O3 increases, the dynamic strain of cement-stabilized soil initially decreases and then increases, while the dynamic shear modulus first increases and then decreases, showing optimal performance at a 0.25% content. Seawater erosion severely weakens the strength and stiffness of cement-stabilized soil; as erosion concentration increases, dynamic strain increases, and dynamic shear modulus decreases. Nano-Al2O3 improves the strength of cement-stabilized soil and mitigates the negative impacts of seawater erosion through pozzolanic reactions and filler effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in genetic modification (GM) techniques have generated huge interest in improving nutrient utilization, maximizing nutrient uptake, and conserving soil in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture. Unfortunately, little is still known about the recent advancements in the application of GM tactics to enhance each of these areas. This review explores the latest GM strategies intended to support soil conservation, maximize nutrient uptake, and improve nutrient utilization in farming, highlighting the critical roles that soil health and nutrient management play in sustainable farming. GM strategies such as improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake through enhanced root systems and increased nutrient transport mechanisms are well discussed. This study suggests that addressing potential obstacles, such as ethical and regulatory concerns, is a necessity for long-term sustainability applications of GM technologies to raise agricultural yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated erosion caused by human activities is the major triggering factor for the loss of soil and water resources in Ethiopia. Soil erosion is commonly regarded as a major environmental problem that affects the sustainability of agricultural production and downstream reservoir. To facilitate urgent policy intervention in sustainable land management, evaluating the amount of annual soil loss is inevitable. In this study, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are integrated to analyse the amount of soil loss in the Neshe Dam Watershed of Ethiopia. The total amount of soil loss from the watershed (33,376 hectares) is about 1,252,935 tons per year. Furthermore, the potential average annual soil loss for the whole watershed is anticipated at 37.54 t ha−1 yr−1. In terms of sub-watersheds, very high soil loss (56.62 t ha−1 yr−1) was observed in sub-watershed B accounts (for 16.3%) and the least (16.06 t ha−1 yr−1) observed in sub-watershed E accounts (for 23.6%). The study concluded that if proper measures are not taken now, the accelerated erosion in the watershed will jeopardize the sustainability of agricultural production within the watershed and energy generated from the dam in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies found that the main factor contributing to the export of sediment from the Ethiopian highlands is soil erosion, which is related to the expansion of cultivated land at the expense of steep slopes of natural vegetation covers. Plantation practices on steep slopes of bare surfaces and utilizing effective water and soil conservation measures on cultivated lands, may, however, have an impact on the rate of soil loss and the sediment yield ratio. Thus, the main objective of the research was to determine how changes in land use and land cover introduced by soil conservation affected the spatiotemporal variability in soil loss and sediment delivery ratio. RUSLE, InVEST, and integrated GIS technology were used to quantify the study's results. The expansion of farmed land at the expense of natural forests, woodlands, shrubs, and grasslands between 1990 and 2000 resulted in a significant increase in soil loss and sediment yield. This was mostly seen where natural vegetation cover areas on steep slopes were turned into cultivable land. Watershed development interventions significantly decreased both the mean annual soil loss and sediment yields between 2003 and 2021. For instance, from 2010 to 2021, the mean annual soil loss in the watershed dropped by 23.5 t ha−1 and the sediment export declined by 6.13 t ha−1yr−1. To prevent soil loss and sediment export at the extensive level, it is therefore concluded that sustainable soil management on cultivated land and plantation techniques on community land should be expanded up to the adjacent watersheds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastline change serves as a crucial indicator of environmental changes in coastal areas. By utilizing Landsat imagery time series from 2000 to 2022, we integrated the Modified Normalized Water Index, Support Vector Machine supervised classifier, and the Digital Coastline Analysis System to track coastline changes in Sydney's sandy beaches over 2000-2022, and analyzed the potential factors. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Sydney's sandy beaches exhibited an erosion trend of −0.17 m/a, resulting in a net coastline movement of −6.84 m, with over 80% of the coastline experiencing erosion. Before 2010, the sandy beaches, on average, accreted at a rate of 0.40 m/a. Then, from 2010 to 2019, the average beach accretion slowed down (0.07 m/a), with some beaches showing an erosion trend. However, after 2019, sandy coastline erosion in Sydney has greatly accelerated, with an average rate of −4.81 m/a. The primary factors influencing the spatial-temporal patterns of Sydney's sandy coastline include sea level height, significant wave height, and storm events. This study provides valuable insights into the sustainable management and protection of sandy beaches, disaster response planning, and the sustainable development of coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failures of culverts can result in water and soil loss in the surrounding subsurface, leading to collapses. In densely constructed urban areas, buried culverts are inaccessible and invisible, making Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) inspection a widely adopted nondestructive and efficient method. Previous research has employed artificial intelligence to automate GPR interpretation by identifying special radargram textures, but the irregular GPR responses of degraded subsurface soils present a challenge. Therefore, this study proposes a method for preliminary diagnosing large-scale culverts based on GPR wave attributes. The method comprises three parts: (1) evaluating soil compactness by estimating the tortuosity of GPR responses at the culvert top; (2) investigating soil moisture using the attenuation rate of GPR responses; and (3) overlaying the results of the incompact and moist soils to pinpoint potential degradations. Two long-distance culverts were inspected and diagnosed using the proposed method, and three abnormal sections were identified and confirmed by excavation evaluation. The case studies indicate that the proposed method can quickly provide reference for further in-depth investigation, thereby improving GPR survey efficiency and reducing workload by narrowing the investigation scope. Consequently, this study can facilitate large-scale GPR culvert surveys and further safeguard the water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity of olive in the northwestern coastal zone of Egypt is significantly constrained by drought and low organic matter in the soil. This study addresses these challenges by exploring the synergistic effects of olive mill wastes (OMW) application and micro-catchment water harvesting techniques on soil properties, runoff, moisture storage, and rainwater harvesting efficiency. Field experiments were conducted over two winter seasons, employing different micro-catchment structures (semi-circular and triangular bunds) and OMW applications. The results revealed that the integration of semi-circular bunds with OMW application (T4) substantially increased rainwater harvesting efficiency by 67.7% and 46.4% in the first and second seasons, respectively. Additionally, T4 and T5 exhibited reduced runoff by 47.8% and 41.3% in the first season and 49.4% and 38.9% in the second season, respectively. T4 significantly enhanced soil organic matter, soil macronutrients (N, P, and K), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) compared to the control (T1). The study highlights the effectiveness of T4 in improving soil moisture, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing soil fertility. This integrated approach involving OMW application within a semi-circular bund as a water harvesting system proves to be a promising strategy for sustainable olive cultivation in arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus (SWAT+) model depends on the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE), which in turn depends on the peak runoff rate for the estimation of soil loss from a catchment. The SWAT+ model generates a random number for each day in the process of peak runoff rate estimation from the catchment. On the other hand, the model provides calibration parameters like the peak rate adjustment factor for sediment routing in the tributary channels and main channels. There is uncertainty that how likely the SWAT+ model estimates the actual peak runoff rates. An improved MUSLE does not depend on the peak runoff rate, and, therefore, it minimizes uncertainty related to the peak runoff rate when estimating soil loss from the catchment in the SWAT+ environment. On the other hand, the effect of the topographic factor of the MUSLE or improved MUSLE on soil erosion and sediment transport is not explicitly explained. Therefore, we modify the source code of the SWAT+ model for sediment yield estimation by replacing the improved MUSLE and the best-fitted equations of the topographic factor in the source code. The modified SWAT+ model showed better performance than the original SWAT+ model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present comprehensive review delves into the pivotal role of morphometric analysis in watershed management, particularly in prioritizing sub-watersheds (SW) and reservoir catchments. Herein, the authors highlight the critical areas of water spread, soil erosion patterns and aquifer recharge. The study emphasizes the significance of morphometric parameters for effective conservation measures. The review takes a multifaceted approach, analyzing various parameters, exploring mathematical expressions and discussing the tools for sub-watershed (SW) prioritization. The areal, relief and linear parameters play a crucial role in comprehending watershed drainage networks, which in turn impact soil erosion, runoff, flood etc. In view of utility of fundamental Horton's laws, the present study provides a detailed description of each parameter's classification where the range of values and the impact of digital elevation model (DEM) accuracy on morphometric analyses have been discussed. While acknowledging the laborious nature of traditional morphometric analysis, the review also advocates for modern data reduction methods such as principal component analysis (PCA). In the present work, we have described the gaps observed in the sequenced literature reports cited through the content. In addition, the assessing parameter correlations are also acknowledged for emphasizing the ongoing challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water erosion poses a significant threat to the sustainability of natural resources and hydro-agricultural infrastructure, particularly in the Mediterranean region, including Morocco. The Allal El Fassi watershed faced such challenges and underwent anti-erosion measures between 2008 and 2014. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in mitigating dam siltation within the watershed. The methodologies employed include the utilization of the MUSLE model, optimized with bathymetric surveys of the dam, to estimate the amount of sediment reaching the dam and derive the P-factor associated with the implemented anti-erosion measures. Additionally, the radioisotope technique was utilized to assess erosion rates at managed and unmanaged sites within the watershed. The results obtained using the MUSLE model and bathymetric data revealed a noteworthy reduction in mean annual soil loss within the timeframe of 2002–2010 to 2010–2013, resulting in a 13.9% decrease in sediment reaching the dam. Furthermore, variations in the P-factor of erosion control measures were observed, ranging from 0.31 to 0.52 during the respective periods. Utilizing the radionuclide 7Be, erosion rates ranging from 6.8 to 25.3 t.ha−1 were determined for the studied plots, facilitating the calculation of P-factors for specific erosion control measures. Significantly, gabion check dams displayed a P-factor of 0.47, dry stone barriers had a P-factor of 0.41, fruit trees with basins showed a P-factor of 0.51, and enclosures exhibited a P-factor of 0.67. These findings suggest a causal relationship between the implementation of erosion control measures and the reduction in sedimentation rates at the Allal El Fassi Dam, highlighting the interdependence between the two phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment fingerprinting is increasingly being used to provide information that can help guide management decisions at the watershed scale. The objectives of this study were to investigate the implications of different sediment fingerprinting sampling designs on characterizing sediment dynamics in the Beheshtabad Watershed in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province, western Iran. First, nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, iron, and lime fingerprints were used to discriminate among four potential sediment sources including agricultural topsoil, rangeland, as well as rainfed and urban lands. Then, the suspended sediment was collected from drainage areas at five sites. Nested and local-location fingerprinting sampling designs were employed to evaluate the influence of geomorphic connectivity and land use on apportionment results by using the same source and sediment data set. By averaging all locations using the nested method, agricultural land with an average of 69% had the highest contribution to sedimentation followed by rainfed land with an average of 19.9%, rangeland with an average of 6.8%, and urban lands with an average of 5.99%. Compared to the mean of the total method samples, the local method showed greater soil loss from agricultural lands and lower soil loss from rangeland and rainfed lands. Generally, surface soil in sediments came from agricultural land use. According to the results, total nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and calcium were the optimum tracers that correctly distinguished source samples. Overall, each of the two fingerprinting sampling designs provided the same information. Thus, the fingerprinting method can determine the sources of sediments. Given the importance of the fingerprinting method, future studies can focus on determining the appropriate combination of tracers and the effect of sediment sampling time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion is considered to be a prominent problem, and its regular spatial assessment in the watershed is required. Thus, for the present study, the Kodar river basin in Chhattisgarh, India, was chosen for the investigation. Three different models, namely Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and Unit Power-Based Soil Erosion and Deposition (USPED), were chosen by incorporating remote sensing and GIS platforms and their performance were compared. On the basis of area's varied slope and land usage, the erosion rate was calculated. It was noted that a difference of 33,68632 t, −11570.08 t, and 1023.99 t in the sedimentation values of the USLE, RUSLE, and USPED models, respectively were observed. The observed sedimentation data was validated, and the USPED model was found to be the most authentic model among the selected three models. Hence, the present study will be helpful in better understanding of the complex interactions of the variables involved in predicting net erosion of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), estimating biofuel GHG emissions is essential to gauge emissions reductions compared to fossil fuels. Within this framework, the carbon footprint (CF) was calculated for four bioethanol cropping systems: a maize-wheat-sorghum rotation without the harvest of crop residues (MWS), a maize-wheat-sorghum rotation with harvested crop residues (MWS-R), switchgrass (Sw), and continuous sweet sorghum (Ss). The estimation followed a life-cycle analysis strategy. The CF varied between 0.04 and 3.68 kg CO2-eq l − 1 ethanol. Switchgrass had the smallest CF and the highest ethanol yield per hectare (4,263 L [ha yr] − 1). However, for annual systems, Ss had the highest CF (3.68 kg CO2-eq l − 1 ethanol), 2 and 4 times larger than MWS-R and MWS systems. The soil preparation, planting, and post-planting emissions were 80% of the mean emissions in the annual cropping systems. By comparison, 60% of Sw's CF came from post-planting, and 46% from fertilizers. In Sw, soil erosion accounted for 11% of the soil organic carbon lost in the MWS-R and Ss systems. In addition, Sw was the system with the most significant carbon sequestration (−1,957 kg CO2-eq [ha yr − 1]), a value corresponding to 94% of the CF of this bioethanol cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land degradation is a serious problem for Ethiopia's productive capacity for land resources. To reverse these environmental dynamics, slow down soil degradation, and raise smallholder farmers’ agricultural yields, watershed management interventions have been implemented in Ethiopia since the 1980s. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the effects of watershed management interventions on soil erosion reduction by using the InVEST model in the Yezat watershed, north-west Ethiopia. The modified ecosystem services valuation model (InVEST) was employed to evaluate soil loss reduction in response to watershed management interventions. Different watershed management intervention scenarios (baseline scenarios, afforestation scenarios, soil/stone bund scenarios, and integrated scenarios) were also applied to evaluate the effectiveness of watershed management interventions on soil loss reduction. The result of the study indicated that a high amount of mean annual soil loss (111 tons ha−1 year−1) was observed in 2000 in the study area due to the expansion of cultivated land and built-up area at the expense of forest, shrubland, and grassland. However, the mean annual soil loss decreased from 111 tons per year in 2000 to 79 tons per year in 2021 in the study area due to different watershed management interventions. Additionally, at the baseline scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss of the watershed was 111 tons ha-1 yr-1. Conversely, it was reduced to 49.3 ton ha-1 yr-1 in the reforestation scenario, 16.49 ton ha-1 yr-1 in the soil bund scenario, and 8.26 ton ha-1 yr-1 in the integrated scenario. The watershed covered by the very severe soil erosion severity class was reduced in all watershed management intervention scenarios. Among others, the highest soil erosion reduction was observed in the integrated (bio-physical) scenarios of watershed management interventions. Therefore, watershed management interventions and scenarios were the best mechanisms for soil loss reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial differentiation of forest canopy branches and leaves affects rainfall interception. However, the scientific expression of the spatial differentiation of forest canopy branches and leaves has not been clarified, and revealing the effect of spatial differentiation of branches and leaves of the vertical structure of the forest canopy on rainfall interception is difficult. Using the Pinus massoniana planted in Changting County, China, as the research object, this study quantified the spatial differentiation of canopy branches and leaves in a hierarchical manner by combining the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) three-dimensional point cloud model with the landscape metrics and further simulated the interception mechanism of Pinus massoniana forest canopy on rainfall of different intensities by constructing the principal component regression model. The results showed that the spatial differentiation of canopy branches and leaves in different strata responds differently to different rainfall intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain forests perform an indirect protective function against natural events. The aim of this study is to develop a method of economic valuation of the role of mountain forests in reducing the risk of windthrow and soil erosion, taking as a case study the Cansiglio Orientale forest (Italian Alps). Protection against windthrow was investigated through the slenderness coefficient, while the soil erosion protection was analysed using a model that takes into account stand and site characteristics. The risk mitigation cost method has been applied for the economic estimation of the protective functions. The main results showed that more than 63% of trees are included in areas with high stand stability, while over 54% of the area is classified as low risk of soil erosion. Finally, an economic value of € 61.72 ha−1 yr−1 – € 20.36 ha−1 yr−1 to maintain the stand stability and of € 4.39 ha−1 yr−1 – € 1.31 ha−1 yr−1 to restore soil fertility after erosion were estimated. This study has provided an approach for the economic valuation of the protective function of mountain forests based on mitigation cost method. This contribution fits into the literature concerning the economic valuation of ecosystem services to improve decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agri-food industry, produces organic residues that could be reused as fertilizer, thereby allowing the recycling of nutrients for crops and the replacement of mineral fertilizers. In this context, here we examined the capacity of anaerobic digestates and mixed residues (digestates plus spent mushroom substrates) to supply nutrients to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in a greenhouse experiment. Moreover, the potential leaching of nutrients into the soil was evaluated in a column assay. The results obtained from organic residues treatments were then compared to those achieved in soil treated with mineral fertilizer and in untreated soil. Digestates treatments minimized the potential risk of nitrate (NO3−) leaching by allowing the slow release of NO3− maintaining crop yield. Given our observations, this type of organic residues emerges as an alternative to mineral fertilizer. The loss of NO3−-N from the total amount of N applied reached ∼3% in the mixed residues treatments, 36–46% in the digestate treatments, and 68% in the mineral fertilizer treatment. The mixed treatments showed low available N content as a result of immobilization in the soil, which is a limiting factor for crop production. Moreover, the organic residues treatments had no negative effect on lettuce seed germination or plant growth with respect to parameters such as chlorophyll, total polyphenols, and heavy metals in aerial biomass. The findings reported herein contribute to a better understanding of nutrient availability provided by organic residues materials and the capacity of these amendments to replace mineral fertilizers and avoid nutrient loss by leaching. Digestate treatments showed a similar capacity to maintain lettuce production as mineral fertilizer. Mixed treatments did not provide mineral N for the crop by N immobilization in soil. Nitrate loss when organic residues were applied was lower than for the mineral fertilizer treatment. Soil amendment with organic residues has no negative effects on lettuce yield. Digestates emerge as an alternative to mineral fertilizers for lettuce production, reducing soil nutrient loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration of native vegetation like pines helps mitigate soil erosion, but the effects of pine needle litter on runoff, erosion, and hydrology in karst hillslopes are unclear. This study investigated these factors during the rainy season from June to August 2021 under six treatments (flat, gentle, and steep slopes with and without pine needle coverings). The results showed that pine needle litter significantly increased the soil water content, particularly on steeper slopes, by improving the water-holding capacity. It also substantially reduced runoff (by 23.8%) and soil erosion (by 92.5%). The critical rainfall threshold for generating runoff did not occur in the pine needle covering treatment, whereas it was 19.3 ± 8.8 mm in the bare soil treatment under wet conditions. These findings highlight the efficacy of pine needle cover in reducing runoff and erosion in karst areas, promoting it as a sustainable method for restoring degraded soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayan region is the most sensitive due to its fragility, especially in soil erosion; therefore, it is a growing concern for environmentalists and natural resource planners. The study river basin Mandakini is situated in the central part of the Garhwal Himalayan region (Uttarakhand, India), which is highly prone to soil erosion due to various hydro-geomorphological factors. The factors include precipitous slope, geology, rugged terrain, land use and drainage pattern. Therefore, to identify the erosion-prone areas of the study basin, employed watershed prioritization technique using geographical information system and remote sensing integrated with weighted sum analysis (WSA), sediment production rate (SPR) and Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution with Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP-TOPSIS) models. It is calculated by taking different parameters indicating linear, landscape, and shape parameters. All the sub-watersheds (SW) of the basin were prioritized in different categories for all models with model performance for the Mandakini river basin in the central Himalaya. The results are showing almost similar results except for high erosion-prone regions. The results of the SPR model indicate that vary large areas (43.47%) of the basin suffering from severe erosion limited in the north-central (WS11, WS12, WS21), eastern (WS2), and southern (WS22 and WS23) parts of the basin among 23 sub-watersheds. The result of model evaluation indicates AHP-TOPSIS is the efficient model in assessing soil erodibility. The study can help to undertake the precise decisions to propose an effective framework for soil erosion control measures and encourage soil conservation priorities of the region. The findings have implications for defining sustainable land resource management and conservation, which are critical to attaining the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's societal goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of promising and appropriate plant species and knowledge of their effects on the soil are essential for mineland rehabilitation success. The present study evaluated the effects of three different plant seed cocktails on fertility, soil cover, and erosion control in two iron waste piles in the Carajás Mineral Province, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The three different seed cocktails were: commercial (only commercial species); native (only species native of Carajás); mixed (native and commercial species); and a control treatment (without seed application). Additionally, tillers from native grasses from Carajás were planted in one of the waste piles. The cocktails were applied by hydroseeding together with fertilizer, mulch, organic compost, and a tackifier. Analyses were performed at 12 and 24 months after the seeding in the waste piles. In general, all cocktails contributed to vegetation establishment, organic matter accumulation, and increased soil fertility. The commercial cocktail stands out due to its ability to improve soil fertility. Native species showed the best cover performance, and less soil loss, highlighting their use for effective control of soil erosion. Thus, native species have the potential for use in rehabilitation projects involving iron waste piles in the Amazon. This is especially relevant because the use of native plant species is mandatory and a declared rehabilitation target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing soil erosion (SE) and the associated problems for society, economy, and environment sparked a lot of interest in estimating and mapping SE at different basin scales. The estimation of SE exhibits that SE ranges from 10 to 50 t ha-1 yr-1, with a mean SE of 20 t ha-1 yr-1. The very steep slopes account for 54.21% of total soil loss. The SRB areas where soil loss rates are >10 t ha-1 yr-1 are considered the target areas which account for 27% of the study area and 96% of the soil loss). The high SY is concentrated only in the first-order basins located in a higher slope zone in the northern part of the river. Besides, basin morphometry (basin shape, relative relief) and anthropogenic activities (agricultural land) are retained in the PSLR model as significant factors contributing to SY in the entire river basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion poses a significant threat to sustainable land management and agricultural productivity. Addressing this issue requires advanced predictive models that can accurately identify areas at risk and inform soil conservation strategies. This study focuses on the development and interpretation of well-optimized deep learning (DL) models to predict soil erosion probability, aiming to enhance decision-making in land management. Utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in conjunction with ground-truthing, we identified critical erosion-prone areas. To predict soil erosion probability, we employed Bayesian optimization to fine-tune Deep Neural Network (DNN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN), and DNN-CNN hybrid models. These DL models were verified using a set of metrics. SHAP value analysis as a means of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) was used to interpret these DL models for better decision-making. RUSLE estimations and ground truthing highlight that Soil erosion rates in the northeastern and northwestern regions are nearing the highest observed at 25 tonnes per hectare annually, largely due to steep slopes and limited vegetation. In contrast, the southern and southeastern areas have lower erosion rates, due to denser vegetation and gentler slopes. Deep learning models, optimized using Bayesian methods, demonstrate high performance in spatially modeling soil erosion probability. The DNN model achieved an accuracy of 0.93, a precision of 0.92, and an F1-score of 0.94, identifying 222.73 sq. km as highly susceptible to erosion, which indicates its strong ability to detect true erosion events. The CNN model identified 49.68% of the study area (503.30 sq. km) as high-risk, with an accuracy of 0.90 and a precision of 0.91. The FCNN model showed a balanced risk distribution, indicating 37.04% of the land (375.25 sq. km) as very low risk and 36.43% (369.11 sq. km) as very high risk, with an accuracy of 0.91. The DNN-CNN hybrid model highlighted 41.58% of the area (421.20 sq. km) as high risk, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing spatial patterns of erosion susceptibility. SHAP value analysis indicates that land use and soil type (LULC and K-factor) are crucial in erosion predictions, with LULC having a significant predictive influence in the DNN model. These insights facilitate the prioritization of soil conservation measures, enabling decision-makers to focus on the most impactful factors for mitigating soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a context of land shortage with high rates of land degradation and soil erosion due to unsustainable agriculture practices in Burundi, vocational agriculture education needs to prioritize competencies that enable graduates to be effective change-agents in addressing sustainable agriculture challenges. This study aimed at identifying context-relevant competencies for change-agents to be able to foster sustainable agriculture. The paper used the Delphi technique to collect data from 28 experts (comprising of 14 teachers and 14 practitioners). The findings identified 11 context-relevant competencies that are considered by experts to be most important for change-agents working on sustainable agriculture. The competence 'facilitator of change' was found to be most relevant and the recommendation is that it should be prioritized in vocational agriculture education curriculum design. Other competencies, such as innovation and creativity, planning, system thinking, domain expertise, continuous learning, interdisciplinarity, and leadership, were also indicated as highly relevant. The competencies stewardship, self-determination and engagement were considered to be comparatively less important, although still relevant. The findings of this study provide insight so that the curricula of vocational agriculture schools can be designed around forming a competence-based education model toward fostering sustainable agriculture. The paper contributes to sustainability competence theory by taking the debate to the domain of vocational agriculture education within the context of Burundi. The study utilized the Delphi process to capture the context-relevance of sustainable agriculture competencies that need to be prioritized in vocational agriculture education in Burundi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argentina is a Latin American country which encounters soil degradation problems. The most productive regions have implemented conservative land practices (no-till). However, agricultural frontier has been displaced to marginal lands with arid and semiarid climates, with the consequent disappearance in many areas of native forest and land degradation. In this work, the fallout of gamma-emitting radionuclides, 137Cs and 7Be, was jointly used to assess changes in soil erosion in a recently converted semiarid ecosystem into agricultural land. 137Cs was utilized to estimate the erosion over the past 60 years, whereas 7Be was employed to estimate the erosion after the conversion of the area to cultivated land and soil tillage. For 137Cs the Proportional Model (PM), the Mass Balance Model II (MBMII) and the MODERN model were used, for 7Be the Profile Distribution Model (PDM) and the MODERN model were used. 137Cs indicates mean erosional rates of 8.2, 10.5 and 6.5 Mg ha−1 a−1, using MBMII, PM and MODERN, respectively, and that a soil layer between 0.5 and 0.8 mm was annually lost by erosion. By applying a 7Be tracer, we measured erosion rates of 2.4 and 3.3 Mg ha−1 (with PDM and Modern, respectively), indicating the loss of the upper 0.2 mm of soil. This erosion can be attributed to a few heavy rainfalls that occurred within the past 90 days. The results suggest that current land management practices have led to an increase in soil erosion. This could be attributed to the fact that the soil remains bare after crop harvest, which may compromise its conservation and future productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pesticides in agriculture has raised concerns due to their potential impact on human, animal and ecosystem health. Within a collaborative research framework, a study was co-constructed between researchers and local stakeholders in rural communities of Nan province (Thailand) to assess pesticide exposure levels. A total of 1,023 human serum samples were collected from volunteer participants. The level of exposure to organophosphate compounds showed that 12 (1.1%) and 134 (13%) individuals had hazardous or risky conditions, respectively. Generalized linear modeling revealed that age (older participants), chemical usage (spraying pesticide), habitat landscape characteristics (i.e., villages surrounded by orchard, forest, teak, rubber and rain-fed rice) and soil erosion appeared significant factors to explain the level of exposure. In addition, domestic animals (dogs and cattle) and wildlife (rodents and fishes) living in the vicinity were also assessed for their level of exposure. Applying the One Health principle helps understand pesticide exposure in people, domestic animals and wildlife by linking environmental characteristics at the local scale and thereby developing appropriate policies and regulations to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of microsilica improves the mechanical properties of mixtures containing Ca(OH)2 due to the chemical reaction between SiO2 in microsilica and Ca(OH)2 in the composition of prepared mixtures. This study aims to compare the efficiency of different microsilica-based mulches in sand stabilization. Several mixtures were prepared through combining microsilica with clay, lime, gypsum, and cement. Data were analyzed as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with treatments including: 1) mulch type: microsilica-clay-lime, microsilica-clay, microsilica-cement, microsilica-lime, microsilica-clay-gypsum, and microsilica-gypsum; 2) thickness: one- and two-layers, and 3) time (7 and 60 days) in 3 replications. Penetration resistance (PR), shear strength (SS), threshold friction velocity (V), and soil loss (SL) were measured. Results revealed that microsilica-clay-lime and microsilica-cement showed the highest PR (6.02 kgcm−2), SS (7.08 and 6.71 Ncm−2, respectively), and V (18.25 and 18.11 ms−1, respectively), and the lowest SL which makes them the most suitable mulches for sand stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, four parametric combinations of LS and P factor have been adopted for assessment of RUSLE-based soil erosion in Bamnidhi subbasin of the upper Mahanadi basin. The basin was discretized of the basin into 98 grids where by applying the SEdiment Delivery Distributed (SEDD) model, total sediment yield from the catchment is computed as sum of the yields from each grid. Soil erosion maps generated are classified as low, moderate, and severe concerning soil erosion potential as < 5, 5–30, and > 30 t ha−1 year−1 respectively. It was observed that the percentage disagreement of erosion area for the three classes with 37%, 25% and 12% for combinations 1 and 4, whereas for combinations 2 and 3 the disagreement improves to 44%, 26%, and 18% respectively. Validation of the maps with satellite information-based FCC showed 75% of accuracy to identify points in moderate to severe zone. For development of MLR model to assess soil erosion, the best parameter set has been selected with ${R^2} = 0.75$ R 2 = 0.75 and slope is found to be the most influential factor for soil loss than LULC, rainfall, and soil type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometric analysis of a drainage basin along with its stream network is indispensable for analysing a river basin's prevailing geomorphology, geo-hydrology, and erosional susceptibility. In this study, an enhanced morphometric evaluation method using Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to assess and prioritize 12 sub-basins of the Godavari River basin (GRB), India, based on their erosional susceptibility. The findings of erosional susceptibility were validated using the Sediment Yield (SY) model. Our findings highlight that the sub-basins of Indravati, Pranhita, and Manjira, i.e. 42.42% (132707.4 km2) of the entire GRB are at high risk of erosional susceptibility, requiring immediate implementation of soil conservation measures. Our findings also highlight that 52.71% of the GRB is in the mature stage of geological evolution, wherein erosional landform-building processes are still ongoing. Overall, GRB has a relatively low drainage density with dendritic drainage patterns, permeable soils, and elongated sub-basins of enhanced erosional susceptibility. Moreover, the results of the SY model exhibited 90% agreement with the results of the enhanced morphometric analysis. This study presents an efficient framework for enhanced morphometric analysis that can assist policymakers in the demarcation of priority zones for erosional susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most characteristic offsite effects of soil erosion, reservoir sedimentation is one of the longlasting problems pertaining to storage capacity and dam operations. In this work, sedimentation rates of the Fortezza reservoir in South Tyrol (Italian Alps) are analysed for nine erosive events over 14 months. Sediment rates are calculated through a modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) combined with a Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) module at 2.5 m resolution. The topographic factor is adjusted to the Alpine terrain, and an additional factor is included to consider the nonerodible parts of the basin. The results are validated against a 14-month sediment yield obtained by high-resolution (0.2 m) reservoir bathymetric analyses. The calculated sediment yield has an absolute deviation of 4.8% from the measured one. The results indicate that these methods can be successfully applied for the estimation of reservoir sedimentation rates in the Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runoff and sediment movement induced by storms have serious economic, environmental, and social impacts around the world. Hydrological models have become useful decision support tools for watershed management. The development of process-based distributed models is complex as it involves a range of disciplines and spans multiple spatial and temporal scales. In this study, a process-based and mesh-distributed model, suitable for both event-based and continuous simulations, is developed. The watershed is conceptualized in three distinct zones: a surface overland region, an unsaturated subsurface zone, and a groundwater zone. Overland flow is governed by the 2D diffusive wave equation with an optional 1D channel network solver; water in the unsaturated zone is modelled through mass conservation and vertical dominance of the processes; and saturated groundwater flow is governed by the 2D Dupuit equation. Soil erosion and transport are governed by the multi-size, non-equilibrium equations incorporating soil entrainment, transport, and deposition. The model is driven by meteorological input, land use and soil type properties. The numerical approach is a generalization of existing models to overcome some current modelling shortcomings. New contributions of the model are highlighted and model verification and validation are reported against benchmark cases. The model is then applied to the Cache Creek watershed in California, USA. Satisfactory agreement with the measured data is obtained with both the runoff flow rate and sediment load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is an abundance of interest in the methods to reduce ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from cultivated soils. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of applied urea is decreased due to gaseous loss, which also lowers soil N (Nitrogen) content. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of microbial-based inoculants to decrease NH3 loss and N2O emissions under controlled conditions. Bacillus subtilis ;(UPMB10), and Bacillus tequilensis ;(UPMRB9) in combination with five different nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% were used in this study. Results showed that NH3 cumulative volatilization loss was greater in uninoculated soil treated with a full dose of fertilizer-N (507.27 mg/kg) compared with bacterial-inoculated soil (491.20 mg/kg and 500.71 mg/kg for UPMRB9 and UPMB10, respectively). Emission of N2O increased to a greater level (15.11 mg/kg for B0N100) in uninoculated soil compared to inoculated soil (14.65 mg/kg for UPMRB9N100 and 14.93 mg/kg for UPMB10N100-treated soil) and emission of N2O increases as N application increases. Initially, the emission of N2O was greater which decreased from the sixth day until it became zero. In B0N100-treated soil, emissions of N2O increased and after 30 days of incubation, the inoculated soil had a greater N concentration than the uninoculated soil. The total N loss from applied urea was higher in uninoculated soil than in inoculated soil. According to the findings, microbial inoculants have the potential to reduce the loss of N through NH3 volatilization and N2O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical, methodological and applied aspects of assessment of loss and damage to soil resources are considered. As of 24 February 2023 the cost was of the order of $US 34.4 billion but this is provisional and dynamic. Bibliometric analysis suggests inadequate attention to the issue of assessing the impact of wars on soil and land quality and determining loss and damage. This is a first attempt to plug the gap and encourage further work on the methodology, as well as the assessment of just compensation to ensure the restoration of war-damaged soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil provides multiple, diverse functions, with these underpinning both planetary and human health. For planetary health, soil contributes to multiple critical processes, including through biomass production, by regulating the carbon pool, providing a habitat for 25% of global biodiversity, cycling the nutrients upon which terrestrial systems depend, and cycling water. Soil also underpins human health; humans use soil to provide 98.8% of our food and sustain our nutrition, regulate pathogens, and supply medicines. However, humans have tended to focus on soil almost solely for producing biomass (food, fiber, and energy) through intensive agriculture, and this narrow focus now causes rapid soil degradation, including through loss of soil organic matter, erosion, and salinization. This degradation directly harms planetary health and reduces the ability of soil to support health of future human generations. We argue that a healthy soil is a soil that is multifunctional and is capable of underpinning human and planetary health. Using this definition, a broad conceptual framework is provided for quantifying soil health, with such an approach enabling a shift in the way that we think about, plan, and manage systems to ensure ongoing planetary and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe soil erosion can cause both loss of ecosystem services and riverine environmental contaminations. Thus, understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics of soil loss at the watershed scale is critical for sustainable management of land and water resources. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the spatiotemporal variation in water runoff and soil loss in the Tokoro River watershed (TRW), Hokkaido, Japan. Assuming that agricultural land, which becomes bare depending on the season, is the main source of erosion and that large soil losses occur especially during the snowmelt/freeze-thaw period, we quantified and analyzed the mechanism of soil loss using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool 2012 (SWAT2012). Simulation results based on a publicly available dataset showed that croplands were the primary source of stream sediment load, contributing to 86% of the total soil loss. Furthermore, the soil loss rate was high (241.1–270.9 Mg km−2 yr−1) in sub-basins with a higher percentage of cropland, especially sloped croplands. These sub-basins had a higher risk of productivity loss due to intense erosion and river contamination by muddy runoff. Soil loss mainly occurred in early spring (March and April) and late summer (August – October), accounting for 36% and 45% of the annual soil loss, respectively. Vegetation removal by harvest exacerbated soil loss in October. In March, soil drainage was suppressed by frozen soil, resulting in high surface runoff and soil loss. Therefore, surface runoff when the soil was frozen was considered an important driver of soil loss. The estimation error of the stream sediment loads out of the 95% prediction uncertainty accounted for 26% of the total absolute error. This error could be attributed a lack of certainty in the observation data of high stream sediment loads and the model's underestimation of water runoff during intense snowmelt and rainfall events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture is an important factor that can be used for referring to flood situations, monitoring drought estimation, and changes in the environment such as storms and soil erosion. The Optical Trapezoid Model (OPTRAM) estimates surface soil moisture using shortwave infrared transformed reflectance (STR) and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in trapezoidal space. In this study, Landsat 8 satellite data were acquired for May (2019) and October (2019) and used for analysis in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Validation of the retrieved soil moisture was done using microwave satellite data available on the VEDAS portal. The output maps show that soil moisture values vary from 0.0235 (m3/m3) to 0.162 (m3/m3) for May 2019 and from 0.417 to 0.781 (m3/m3) for October 2019. The data obtained from the VEDAS portal has the average change in soil moisture values in May and October 2019 as 0.04 m3/m3 and 0.55 m3/m3, respectively. The outcome of the study shows that the model has nearly the same accuracy as the VEDAS (Visualisation of Earth Observation Data and Archival System) portal data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion, a major factor contributing to land degradation, poses significant environmental challenges across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. This study identifies erosion-prone sub-watersheds in southern Ethiopia's middle Omo-Gibe River basin using digital elevation model data, analyzed using a geomorphometric and statistically weighted sum priority approach in a Geographic Information System environment. Additionally, hypsometric analysis, lithology, land use/cover analysis, and field observations were integrated to enhance methodological reliability in assessing soil erosion patterns and subsequent land degradation in the basin. Results highlight sub-watersheds with varying degrees of erosion sensitivity, emphasizing morphometric parameters and landscape characteristics. Furthermore, hypsometric analysis confirms a moderate to high susceptibility of sub-watersheds to soil erosion. Moreover, half of the river basin consists of shrubland, encompassing scrubs, range lands, and small wooded areas. These are less efficient in mitigating erosion compared to forests, especially in the face of significant summer rainfall and ensuing runoff. Statistical prioritization identified 19 sub-watersheds, covering 43% of the basin's total area, as highly prone to soil erosion and land degradation. The study's findings are valuable for Ethiopian watershed management decision-makers, enabling informed resource allocation and targeted interventions to control soil erosion and protect water resources by utilizing the outputs of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion exacerbates land degradation, which has a detrimental impact on terrestrial ecosystems all over the world. The purpose of this study is to forecast future soil erosion in the Tumen River Basin (TRB) on the border between China and North Korea under changing land-use and climate conditions from 2030 to 2050 using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE). Precipitation changes during the study period were examined under three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios. Future land use was simulated using a patch-generating land-use simulation (PLUS) model. As the scenario worsens, regions requiring sustained attention in the TRB are expected to rise steadily from 4% (1337 km2) in 2017 to 7.3% (2440 km2) in 2050. Under SSP5-8.5, soil erosion will reach 24.45 t ha-1yr-1 in 2050, which is 6 t ha-1yr-1 more than current soil loss. According to the land cover simulation, 2.7% (~925 km²) of forest area is anticipated to be lost by 2050, with the majority of that area converted to built-up, cropland, and grassland areas increasing by 0.5%, 1.3%, and 0.8%, respectively. This study is expected to enhance the spatial perception of soil erosion at different scales and provide scientific basis for soil and water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highland bamboo (Arundinaria alpina, synonym Yushania alpina) is a characteristic and dominant semelparous species in the Afromontane vegetation of Ethiopia. It is utilized for numerous applications. Mass flowering of the species seems to be associated to conversion to other land uses. Objectives of the study were to document a mass flowering event, determine fruiting characteristics, understand the perception of communities, and assess its consequences in Seka-Chekorsa district, western Ethiopia. Focus group discussions and GIS-based assessment were conducted in 13 Peasant Associations (PAs). Our results show that highland bamboo flowering is gregarious and time to seed maturity takes about a year. The extent of mass flowering in each PA ranged from 41-88% of the the bamboo forest. Majority of the respondents (43%) perceived that the bamboo flowering event occurred because of God's wrath, 38% related it to the age of the bamboo plants, and 19% attributed the event to a disease, indicating low awareness regarding the reproduction of the species. Perceived impacts of the mass flowering event were an increased soil erosion, changes in microclimate, reduction in water flow, and negative consequences on farmers' economy. Farmers urgently need training on the management of the species at its reproductive stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gully erosion is known to affect soil productivity, and to limit land use in many parts of the world. To assess the susceptibility of soils to gully erosion, the triggering factors must be analyzed. A simulation of gully development over time was implemented in Python – GIS modules based on the topographic characteristics of the study area, soil properties, and measured runoff. The results show that the developed modules allow a successful data preparation, process simulation and spatial visualization of the obtained results in 2D and 3D as well as an analysis of time series of gully evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conserving soil carbon is one of many actions to take in limiting global warming. However, carbon dense peatlands are still being drained or excavated. Infrastructure development is one of the major current threats to boral peatlands in Fennoscandia, but few tools are available for calculations of carbon stocks in peatland areas, necessary for decision makers planning development projects. Thus, we compiled a reference database of key peat characteristics from main boreal peatland types sampled in Norway and tested "best practice" peat depth sampling methods and peat volume interpolations. We implemented our findings in CarbonViewer, a tool and easy-to-use app that reliably calculates carbon stocks of delimited peatlands. Tool and method presented, estimates carbon stocks to assess potential soil carbon loss in planned infrastructure development on peatlands and will give decision makers the necessary knowledge base to limit emissions from soil carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land degradation is an evident and severe environmental problem in Ethiopia. Since 2003 community-based watershed management has been implemented in the study area to reduce land degradation. This study aimed to investigate to what extent the community-based watershed management is effective in rehabilitating the land. Woody vegetative cover, land use/cover (LULC) change and soil erosion rate were selected variables to examine the effectiveness of the management measures. The LULC and woody vegetative cover spatial datasets were created from Landsat satellite images of 2003 and 2019 using ERDAS IMAGINE 2016® and ArcGIS10.8®. The soil loss rate was modelled using geoinformation techniques combined with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. To assess the perception of farmers involved in the watershed rehabilitation activities, qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant interviews. The results showed that the average annual soil loss rate in the study area was 49.5 tonnes (t)/hectare (ha−1)/year(y−1) in 2003 and 23.8 t ha−1y−1 in 2019, which is a 52% decrease over 16 years. Woody vegetative cover and grassland increased by 11% and 103%, respectively. These figures and respondents' responses, Focus Group Discussants and Key Informants showed that the community-based watershed management measures implemented in the study area were effective for improving vegetation cover and reducing soil loss (reducing land degradation). The sustainability of these achievements is contingent on the availability of a robust local organizational set-up complemented by the provision of natural resources development technologies, capacity building and security of land tenure. In sum, the findings in the study lead to conclude that the active involvement of farmers in land management and security of land tenure are effective approaches to reverse land degradation in the highlands of Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall erosivity describes the capability of rainfall to cause soil erosion from a surface during a storm. Currently, the average long-term annual and monthly rainfall erosivity for a location may be obtained from isoerodent maps using a sample of climate stations across the United States (US). However, at the state-scale these measures are sporadic, using rainfall data from an increasingly outdated period, which may not reflect possible changing rainfall erosivity. Focusing on the state of Kentucky, US, we developed rainfall erosivity grids from the state Mesonet system to determine if erosivity has changed spatially and temporally between the original erosivity datasets from the latter twentieth-century and 2011–2020. We further used the Mesonet-derived dataset to develop a GIS-based model to estimate potential soil erosion for croplands during the fallow-season when soil is most prone to erosive storms. Results indicated that monthly erosivity increased across the state between the two periods. Larger increases in erosivity during the latter part of the fallow-season resulted in higher estimated soil erosion from croplands, particularly to the west. These findings may provide guidance in identifying and targeting croplands at greatest potential risk of soil erosion during the fallow-season for additional monitoring, mitigation and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion and sediment deposition in the reservoirs are both consequences of the change in precipitation pattern that has been observed over the past decade. For the purpose of storing water in reservoirs built before the 1980s, the Indian state of Chhattisgarh has a few irrigation projects. As the state has grown, agricultural land has increased while the proportion of forest area has decreased. Due to this development, runoff is introducing more sediment into the reservoirs, resulting in a reduction in intended storage. The effects of sediment deposition in the Kodar reservoir, located in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh State, are evaluated in present study. Prior to five years, the reservoir reported a 30% deficit in actual irrigation. To quantify the sediment load, Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and the Hydrologic Engineering Centre – Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS) were effectively employed. From 2012 to 2014, the reservoir received an average sediment load of 1.11 million tonnes. In order to preserve soil in the watershed's erosion-prone area, a treatment plan is developed. It includes numerous thematic maps that are overlaid in order to provide preventive measures against reservoir sedimentation and is further proposed in the form of best management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]