HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Singer, M. J. Articles by Blackard, J. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Singer, M. J. Articles by Blackard, J. Agricola Articles by Singer, M. J. Articles by Blackard, J.

Slope Angle-Interrill Soil Loss Relationships for Slopes up to 50%¹

ABSTRACT

Soil loss data were collected from 1.2-m long by 0.6-m wide plots under 76 mm/h simulated rainfall for two soils at slopes from 3 to 50%. Soil loss and soil loss ratio (soil loss at any slope ÷ soil loss at 9% slope) were related to the sine of slope angle in degrees. Second- and third-degree polynomial equations fit the data best. An equation for the Hillgate soil showed that the soil loss ratio increased rapidly up to 35 to 40% slope and then became nearly constant. This may be partly due to the experimental conditions of short slope length but is realistic because at high slope angles there is less direct raindrop impact on the soil surface.

The equation for the Contra Costa soil loss ratio yielded a curve much below the Hillgate curve at slopes between 15 and 40%. These data suggest that soil properties and slope effects are not independent. The experimental conditions are not meant to be representative of field conditions but the data represent the effect of slope steepness on interrill erosion by raindrop impact and overland flow.

¹ Contribution from the Dep. of Land, Air, and Water Res., Univ. of California, Davis. This work was supported in part by USEPA Grant R805462.

² Associate Professor and Postgraduate Research Assistant, respectively.

Received for publication February 4, 1982. Accepted for publication July 7, 1982.