Assessment of the Erosion Stability of Slopes in Terms of Digression and the Degree of Overgrowth

Dmitriy Mashtakov,Alexey Avtonomov

doi:10.11648/j.eeb.20190403.13

Abstract

Agroecological systems of slopes experience stress due to constant dynamic movements, especially on the slopes of high steepness. We have formulated the idea of critical levels in the dynamic process of slope agroecological systems, which is subsequently considered as an indicator of sustainability. When analyzing the dynamic processes on the slopes, we identified the digression of the slope surface under the influence of erosion processes as a critical one. The object of research is the erosion slopes of ravines and gullies in the forest-steppe conditions of the Volga upland. The purpose of the study is to develop parameters for assessing the stability of erosion slopes based on the results of research and analysis of literature sources. Results and discussion. It is proposed to refer to the dynamics changes not only in species composition, but also changes in the degree of degradation in terms of overgrowth of slope areas, allowing to establish the processes of secondary succession as the destruction of the slope surface. According to our concept the changes of species diversity on the erosion slopes may be accompanied by the appearance of alien plants in consequence of the stability, biological diversity and protective functions of the protective forest plantations loss. The number of species may increase, but the erosion slope gradually loses its stability. Quantitative assessment of the degree of overgrowth in terms of undergrowth and their qualitative characteristics give an idea of compliance of the forest conditions on the slope with environmental requirements for self-seeding tree species. It is found that the number of self-seeding on the slopes with increasing stage of digression naturally decreases. The number of self-seeding, compared with seedlings, 2-4 times less, regardless of the degree of digression of the slope. On the control and on the site of stage I of digression, the number of shoots of self-seeding clearly differ, which affects the incidence rate. In other areas, the occurrence is 53 -100%, which confirms the uneven of overgrowing of the slope area.

Highlights

The problems of slope land resistance to erosion are fundamental in modern agroforestry, but so far the definition of sustainability remains ambiguous
It can be concluded that the degree of overgrowth of slopes depends on the degree of digression of the slope surface
The conducted researches allow to draw the following conclusions: 1. There are four stages of slope digression: the first stage includes areas where the area disturbed by plane erosion is 15-30%; the second stage – 31-45%; the third stage – 46-60%; the fourth stage – more than 60%; 2

Summary

Introduction

The problems of slope land resistance to erosion are fundamental in modern agroforestry, but so far the definition of sustainability remains ambiguous. The sustainable functioning of agro-ecological systems is inextricably linked to the concept of critical condition. The concept of critical state is interpreted in different ways. L. Zhukov and coauthors [1] define a critical state as a irreversible change in the existing conditions, leading to a violation of the organization of this system. Danilov-Danilyan V [2] indicates that in a critical state the ecosystem is being rebuilt with the replacement of some or all elements, after which its complete disintegration may follow, or Vice versa, the formation of a new homeostatic level may occur. In the absence of dynamic movements of the biotope, critical condition may be due to climatic anomalies (drought, flood, etc.) or natural disasters, for example, fires [3]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion