Effects of Crust Development and Surface Slope on Erosion by Rainfall

Erosion losses were determined when simulated rainfall (50 mm h-1) was applied to 1 m x 1 m field plots on three soils (Rhodoxeralf, Calciorthid, Natrixeralf) having surface slopes of 1–2%, 4–5%, and 7–8%. Low soil loss and high runoff volumes from the Rhodoxeralf were related to the rainfall-induced development of low hydraulic conductivity (K) and low macroporosity in the 0–2 mm-soil layer. Higher soil loss and lower runoff rates noted for the Calciorthid and the Natrixeralf were associated with higher K and macroporosity values for the surface soil. Soil loss from the Calciorthid, which had 29% coarse sand and 48% fine sand, increased markedly as the surface slope increased to 4–5% and 7–8%.