Erosion modelling approach to simulate the effect of land management options on soil loss by considering catenary soil development and farmers perception

Abstract

The prevention of soil erosion is one of the most essential requirements for sustainable agriculture in developing countries. In recent years it is widely recognized that more site-specific approaches are needed to assess variations in erosion susceptibility in order to select the most suitable land management methods for individual hillslope sections. This study quantifies the influence of different land management methods on soil erosion by modelling soil loss for individual soil-landscape units on a hillslope in Southern Uganda. The research combines a soil erosion modelling approach using the physically based Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP)-model with catenary soil development along hillslopes. Additionally, farmers’ perceptions of soil erosion and sedimentation are considered in a hillslope mapping approach. The detailed soil survey confirmed a well-developed catenary soil sequence along the hillslope and the participatory hillslope mapping exercise proved that farmers can distinguish natural soil property changes using their local knowledge. WEPP-model simulations show that differences in soil properties, related to the topography along the hillslope, have a significant impact on total soil loss. Shoulder and backslope positions with steeper slope gradients were most sensitive to changes in land management. Furthermore, soil conservation techniques such as residue management and contouring could reduce soil erosion by up to 70 percent on erosion-sensitive slope sections compared to that under tillage practices presently used at the study site. The calibrated model may be used as a tool to provide quantitative information to farmers regarding more site-specific land management options.