A simple method for improving soil loss measurement in USLE type experiments

Abstract

Soil erosion experimentation around the world commonly uses field runoff plots from which runoff and soil loss is collected. Volume of the collected water-sediment mixture is commonly so great that sub-sampling techniques are required to estimate total soil loss in any erosion event. It has been shown that the commonly used method involving a collection tank, agitation of the water-sediment mixture and then sub-sampling can lead to serious under-estimation of total soil loss. This paper outlines and illustrates a practical, simple method for reducing the error by timing any lag that occurs between completion of stirring and sample collection, and measuring the settling velocity characteristics of the sediment involved.