Runoff and soil loss from steep slopes treated with low cost bioengineering measures

Abstract

Soil loss and surface runoff patterns were studied in erosion plots developed on manmade steep slopes (60 percent) over three years (1997–2000) in which rainfall ranged from 1338.4 to 1429.2 mm/year. Surface runoff and soil loss was examined under three different rainfall intensity classes. Runoff was mainly controlled by the rainfall distribution pattern on the seasonal scale. The soil loss was influenced by runoff during the first year. Both soil loss and runoff were reduced due to bioengineering measures in the first year irrespective of species planted. In the third year, combined effects of growth of grasses on protected plots, soil compaction and sediment exhaustion was noticed on runoff and soil loss. This was reflected by reduction in the runoff and soil loss from untreated and treated plots. In the high intensity class, reduction in runoff in treated plots was about 50 percent in three years and reduction in soil loss ranged between 94–95 percent in all plots. Physical treatment with brushwood structures was more efficient in erosion control in the low intensity class.