Search

Summary The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model was tested using data from a detailed study conducted on experimental plots in the Apennines Mountain Range, northern Italy. Runoff, soil water and sediment data, together with weather information, were collected on an hourly basis at the study site. WEPP was first applied to simulate transient surface runoff, soil water and erosion. Two important input parameters, the biomass energy ratio for crop and the effective hydraulic conductivity of surface soil, were calibrated using field-observed runoff, soil water, erosion and plant biomass data. The calibrated model was then used to simulate the hydrologic and erosion impacts of three typical crop rotations, thereby to evaluate their abilities in reducing surface runoff and sediment yield. Results indicated that, with the definition of a restrictive layer at the bottom of the soil profile and the calibration of the two crucial model parameters, WEPP could adequately account for the water balance for the modeled experimental plot. For the study area, continuous corn with a conservation practice that delayed primary and secondary tillages produced low surface runoff and soil erosion, from both field observation and WEPP modeling. However, this mono-cultural practice may lead to accelerated soil-quality degradation. On the other hand, a four-year-rotation, corn–wheat–alfalfa–alfalfa, was predicted to substantially reduce soil erosion and has potential to become a sustainable cropping system under the pedo-climatic settings of the study area.

The study reports an integrated environmental quality monitoring of a 100 km2 area in central Italy mostly occupied by an underground station of methane storage, working since 1982. The nitrogen oxides, ozone and isoprene concentration detached with a network monitoring of passive filters were compared with the results of lichens biomonitoring. Data from the two monitorings were in accordance: there was an inversely correlation between lichen biodiversity index (IBL) and NOx (−0.96) and ozone (−0.80), and a positive correlation between IBL and isoprene (0.67). IBL indicated that the area ranged between medium naturalness and medium alteration status, values fully compatible with the medium–high level of eutrophication, caused by intensive agriculture. Only two areas were in high alteration status, due to their proximity to glass factories and to a quarries area. Despite almost thirty years of activity, the environment quality of the area around the station did not show signs of declining.

Shallow landslides frequently occur during transient rainfall infiltration and under partially saturated conditions. However, a detailed analysis of what triggers them, particularly in clayey soils, is often hindered by the lack of field measurements. It is uncommon, in fact, to capture their occurrence in an instrumented natural slope. This paper presents results from an integrated field experiment monitoring the soil-water and displacement conditions that lead to the occurrence of a shallow landslide in partially saturated clays. The integration of a variety of experimental techniques allowed for the examination of interplay between soil hydrological and mechanical properties. This research also evaluates a slope stability model based on the suction stress concept. Since the model was applied after the occurrence of the landslide, the results are interpreted as a hind-casting technique for model evaluation. Nevertheless, the detailed field measurements acquired during the monitoring activity and the occurrence of a landslide during the experiment provided significant information on model parameters and data interpretation. The station provides remote satellite monitoring of data on weather variables, soil water content and soil suction. A time domain reflectometry cable was installed vertically to detect potential soil failure. The experimental area had a high probability of landslide occurrence. Indeed, slope failure occurred during the observation period, showing the effectiveness of the station in detecting the occurrence, time and depth of landslides. The landslide was triggered in consequence of changes in suction stress. The failure plane occurred at a depth of 1.4 m, corresponding to the interface between a superficial layer of higher permeability of 1 to 1.45 m thickness, slipping over a compacted substrate having lower permeability. The analysis allowed for testing of the validity of the model and the description of the triggering mechanisms of the observed shallow landslide in unsaturated conditions, indicating that oscillations in soil matric suction were the dominant variables determining soil failure.

The pyrolysis conversion of vegetable residues into energy and biochar, and its incorporation in agricultural soil, reduces CO2emission and provides a longterm soil carbon sequestration. Moreover, biochar application in soil seems to increase nutrient stocks in the rooting layer, improving crop yield. Compared with the numerous studies assessing the positive effect of biochar on yield, however, little research has been published elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the reported benefits. Few studies cited soil moisture as the key factor, attributing the increased yield to the higher soil water availability.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biochar on the physical and hydraulic properties of a bare Padana Plain (Cadriano, Bologna) agricultural soil. A preliminary plot experiment in 2009 explored the influence of 10 and 30 kg ha–1of biochar on soil moisture, without effects from plants. Results of the first experiment suggested using higher biochar rates in a similar experimental scheme. During the second experiment, 30 and 60 t ha–1doses were investigated. Soil water content, bulk density, electrical conductivity and soil water retention were measured. The comparison between treated soils and the control indicates that the biochar rate is directly correlated to electrical conductibility and inversely correlated with bulk density. The effect on the density of soil can be very positive in case of heavy soils. The dark colour of the char increased the surface temperature with respect to the control, while no differences were detected at 7·5 cm depth. No influences were found on other soil characteristics, including soil pH, moisture and water retention.

Il ruscellamento superficiale è una delle principali cause di perdita di suolo nei terreni in pendio. Ruscellamento ed erosione sono processi naturali che possono essere fortemente accelerati nei terreni coltivati. La pendenza, la copertura vegetale e la direzione di lavorazione (che dipende dalla sistemazione agronomica) sono, insieme all’andamento meteorologico, tra i fattori più rilevanti di questi processi (Ampofo et al., 2002; Zhang & Garbrecht, 2002). Scopo di questo studio è stato verificare la relazione tra pioggia e ruscellamento e le caratteristiche del ruscellamento in sei parcelle di diversa sistemazione agronomica e pendenza, coltivate con specie erbacee annuali e poliennali ed arboree. Si tratta di una prova di lunga durata che ha previsto la raccolta e l’elaborazione di quasi un ventennio di dati (1992-2010).