Abstract
AbstractGenerating high resolution spatial information on the movement of sediment in response to soil erosion remains a major research challenge. In this paper we present a new tracing method that utilises LED (light emitting diode) light to induce fluorescence in a sand‐sized tracer, which is then detected, using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor in a commercial digital camera, at mm‐resolution without the need for removal of soil material. First, we detail two complementary, but independent, methods for quantifying the concentration of tracer from images: particle counting and an intensity based method. We show that both methods can produce highly resolved estimates of particle concentrations under laboratory conditions. Secondly, we demonstrate the power of the method for collecting spatial information on soil redistribution by tillage, with mm precision, over an approximately 50 m hillslope and vertically down the soil profile. Our work demonstrates the potential to collect quantitative time‐resolved data about soil movement without disturbing the soil surface which is being studied, and with it the possibility to parameterise or evaluate dynamic distributed soil erosion models or to undertake fundamental research focused on particle movement that has been impossible to conduct previously. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Highlights
Soil moves: it is eroded by wind, water and tillage and its movement can lead to on-site and off-site problems
Not all the soil is retained in the field and some may move into surface waters, where the effects of sediment are long lasting and far reaching
In response to difficulties in gathering spatial distributions of sediment redistribution, and the lack of work on fluorescent tracers at field scales, we present a new non-invasive tracing method that utilises LED light to induce fluorescence in a sand-sized tracer, which is detected using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor in a commercial digital camera, at mm-resolution without the need for removal of soil material
Summary
Soil moves: it is eroded by wind, water and tillage and its movement can lead to on-site and off-site problems. Not all the soil is retained in the field and some may move into surface waters, where the effects of sediment are long lasting and far reaching. These effects may include pollution due to the sediment itself (Bilotta and Brazier, 2008), sediment associated contaminants (Quinton and Catt, 2007) and pathogens (Tyrrel and Quinton, 2003), sedimentation of waterways, leading to increased flood risk (Yin and Li, 2001), and phosphorus transport, leading to the eutrophication of surface waters (Catt et al, 1998, Haygarth et al, 2005). Given the impact of soil erosion both off-site and on-site it is not surprising that scientists have expended considerable effort in trying to identify where sediment originates, its transport pathways and the rates of sediment movement
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
