Evaluation of soil and water loss under different soil covers

Abstract

The current hegemonic agricultural model, which is based on the green revolution, is intrinsically related to environmental and social impacts, such as erosion, desertification, and abandonment of agricultural areas. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the loss of soil and water through runoff during a simulated rainfall event, testing the efficiency of different types of coverings on beds with watermelon crops, inferring that in relation to soil loss, this was greater in uncovered soil. Therefore, it should be observed that this work has applicability in the choice of efficient soil management techniques, to minimize the effects of erosion and, consequently, the environmental impacts as a result of agricultural activities. The results obtained showed a loss equivalent to 72.72% of the total for bare soil, which means a greater sedimentation of the soil, while for soils covered with corn straw and the biodegradable blanket, a loss of 19.70% and 7.58% of the total were observed, respectively. Surface water runoff, with the use of corn straw and the biodegradable blanket, was reduced by 81.22% and 67.42%, respectively. It was concluded that soil cover is effective in controlling water erosion.The current hegemonic agricultural model, which is based on the green revolution, is intrinsically related to environmental and social impacts, such as erosion, desertification, and abandonment of agricultural areas. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the loss of soil and water through runoff during a simulated rainfall event, testing the efficiency of different types of coverings on beds with watermelon crops, inferring that in relation to soil loss, this was greater in uncovered soil. Therefore, it should be observed that this work has applicability in the choice of efficient soil management techniques, to minimize the effects of erosion and, consequently, the environmental impacts as a result of agricultural activities. The results obtained showed a loss equivalent to 72.72% of the total for bare soil, which means a greater sedimentation of the soil, while for soils covered with corn straw and the biodegradable blanket, a loss of 19.70% and 7.58% of the total were observed, respectively. Surface water runoff, with the use of corn straw and the biodegradable blanket, was reduced by 81.22% and 67.42%, respectively. It was concluded that soil cover is effective in controlling water erosion.