Soil erosion processes and their measurement in the german area of the Moselle river

Measurements and observations of soil erosion processes in vineyards on steep slopes in the German portion of the Moselle valley‐are described. Rates of erosion caused by gravitational mass movements and the action of running water differ. Catastrophic geomorphic events since 1972 are described qualitatively while quantitative data on precipitation, runoff, soil and solute loss during one year (1974‐5) from 13 plots in old and new vineyards (measuring 2m × 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48m) are presented. On the 20° slope plots erosion rates were 2.7cm/1,000 years in the old vineyard and 4.4 cm/1,000 years in the new vineyard. These results compare favourably with rates of 0.75‐4‐4 cm/1.000 years calculated from geological evidence. Both values are lower than those from many other agricultural plots and probably reflect the relative stability of the stony loams.