PUBLICATIONS
July 2002 Issue
The Geographical Review
July 2002, Vol. 92 (3), pp. 333-353
RUNOFF PRODUCTION AND EROSION PROCESSES ON A DEHESA IN WESTERN SPAIN
ANTONIO CEBALLOS, ARTEMI CERDO, and SUSANNE SCHNABEL
Keywords: Dehesa, erosion, land use, rainfall
simulation, runoff, Spain.
ABSTRACT:
Runoff generation and soil erosion were
investigated at the Guadalperalį experimental watershed (western
Spain), within the land-use system known as "dehesa," or open,
managed evergreen forests. Season and type of surface were found to
control runoff and soil-loss rates. Five soil units were selected as
representative of surface types found in the study area: hillslope
grass, bottom grass, tree cover, sheep trails, and shrub cover.
Measurements were made in various conditions with simulated rainfall
to gain an idea of the annual variation in runoff and soil loss.
Important seasonal differences were noted due to surface cover and
moisture content of soil, but erosion rates were determined primarily
by runoff. Surfaces covered with grass and shrubs always showed less
erosion; surfaces covered with holm oaks showed higher runoff rates,
due to the hydrophobic character of the soils. Concentrations of
runoff sediment during the simulations confirmed that erosion rates
at the study site depended directly on the sediment available on the
soil surface.
Keywords: Dehesa, erosion, land use, rainfall
simulation, runoff, Spain.
ABSTRACT:
Runoff generation and soil erosion were investigated at the Guadalperalį experimental watershed (western Spain), within the land-use system known as "dehesa," or open, managed evergreen forests. Season and type of surface were found to control runoff and soil-loss rates. Five soil units were selected as representative of surface types found in the study area: hillslope grass, bottom grass, tree cover, sheep trails, and shrub cover. Measurements were made in various conditions with simulated rainfall to gain an idea of the annual variation in runoff and soil loss. Important seasonal differences were noted due to surface cover and moisture content of soil, but erosion rates were determined primarily by runoff. Surfaces covered with grass and shrubs always showed less erosion; surfaces covered with holm oaks showed higher runoff rates, due to the hydrophobic character of the soils. Concentrations of runoff sediment during the simulations confirmed that erosion rates at the study site depended directly on the sediment available on the soil surface.