Anti-erosion Measures Research Articles

Modelovanie vodnej erózie na poľnohospodárskej pôde okresu Banská Bystrica

Relevant information and data on the intensity of water erosion and its area distribution are essential for selecting the most appropriate agricultural land management in an erosion-sensitive landscape. The land users can target appropriate soil protection measures (based on a correct evaluation of the obtained information) to those parts of the territory most significantly affected by erosion-accumulation processes. The USLE erosion prediction model is a suitable tool for evaluating the area from the long-term prediction of water erosion intensity and its area distribution and proposing appropriate anti-erosion measures. Relief, soil erodibility, rainfall erosivity, soil protection effect of vegetation cover, and agro-techniques are the main erosion factors that significantly influence the start and process of erosion-accumulation processes in a given locality. These factors are considered in the model's basic structure. The model has been updated and detailed several times with the aim of a more precise assessment of the territory. An updated digital layer of rainfall erosivity factor (R-factor) generated based on its updated values during its last update was incorporated into its structure. USLE erosion model refinement was achieved based on updating the digital layer of the rainfall erosivity factor (R-factor), which was generated based on its updated values. The results are more informative and precise outputs concerning the intensity of water erosion and its area distribution in specific soil-climatic and geomorphological conditions.

REGULARITIES ANALYSIS OF THE LINEAR EROSION DEVELOPMENT IN RIVER BASINS IN THE SOUTH OF THE CENTRAL RUSSIAN HILL WITH THE USE OF GIS

Significant areas of the country’s territories are suffering erosion processes due to the increased anthropogenic load. Belgorod region territories are included. This fact makes the reason to the present study for the spatial and temporal patterns analysis of the linear erosion development. The analysis is needed to access the potential territory resistance to the erosion processes within the framework of the basin concept in the South of the Central Russian Upland. The spatial distribution analysis of erosional forms in the study area makes it possible to identify patterns of distribution and assess the possible development of erosion processes. Geoinformation modeling is used to maintain the study in conjunction with natural methods for studying the linear development of the erosion network.
 During the research, the methods of thematic processing of space images, geospatial analysis, GIS modeling, comparative geographic, the method of analogies, landscape planning, as well as methods of statistical and mathematical data processing were used.
 The study has revealed the fact, that territories with a high erosion density and a low share of the river density is characterized with the high ravine network density with a low density of ravines. Though, territories with low erosion density and a more developed river network are characterized by a decrease in the ravine network density; territories with a high erosion density are characterized with a weak development of upper link and the predominance of lower link of watercourses in the river network structure. Then, most basins with low ravine network density are significantly dissected in the upper and middle links of the river network. Establishing the regularity of the erosion forms distribution made it possible to assess the territory resistance of the erosion processes, as well as predict and analyze the need for anti-erosion measures.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ВЕСЕННЕГО СТОКА ЗА МНОГОЛЕТНИЙ ПЕРИОД В УСЛОВИЯХ ПРОТИВОЭРОЗИОННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА «НОВОНИКУЛИНСКОЕ»

The paper presents the results of research on the formation of melt water runoff and its qualitative composition in the conditions of the anti-erosion complex "Novonikulinskoe". It was found that during the twenty-one-year period, there was no runoff for nine years, the runoff was weak for seven years, and very weak for six years. Analyzing the average results of runoff formation for 1969-1978 with the results obtained in the following years 2000-2021, it can be noted that the volume of runoff decreased by 5.8 mm, and the runoff coefficient decreased three times. Moreover, the amount of snow water in the catchment area has increased by 26.84% in recent years. The developed and implemented complex of anti-erosion measures made it possible to minimize the runoff and flushing of batteries in catchments.

Оценка агроклиматических ресурсов бассейна Саны

The aim of the investigation is to study the agro-climatic resources of the Sana’a basin to substantiate the productivity of agricultural crops under the conditions of dry farming taking into consideration the established level of agricultural production, especially agro technical, water, chemical, reclamation anti-erosion measures. There is given a concept of agro climatic resources of the territory. The classifi cation of agricultural plants developed on the basis of climatic and ecological principles and based on agro-climatic indicators which characterize the need of plants in heat, illumination and moisture is presented. An assessment of the thermal and light resources of the Sana’a basin was carried out for natural-agricultural mountainous regions with relatively homogeneous mesoclimatic conditions.

Anti-erosion reclamation and its economic efficiency

One of the most acute problems of agriculture in some regions of the Russian Federation, including the Republic of Tatarstan at present is a progressive degradation of the soil cover. Every year the scale of water erosion increases, causing huge damage not only to agriculture but also to large and small rivers of the region. In this regard, there is a need to analyze the impact of soil erosion on the efficiency of agricultural production and the development of science-based anti-erosion measures to combat soil erosion in agriculture of the Republic of Tatarstan. The results of the carried out research testify that ecological efficiency of one anti-erosion construction in complex with soil protection measures protects on the average 120 ha of lands from further development of erosion processes, economically pays back by the results of two years of economic activity on the protected lands. The practical significance of the research results lies in the fact that they can not only contribute to the development of the agro-industrial complex and other sectors of the economy, provide an increase in soil fertility, a dynamic increase in agricultural production, reduction of retirement of agricultural land and the creation of new jobs. They also ensure the conservation and restoration of water resources.

A MELIORATIVE MEASURES FOR CROP FERTILITY INCREASE AND PREVENTION OF SOIL TRANSPORT

Analysis was done on the efficiency of moisture accumulation and counterflow action in tiered tillage. It was discovered that post-forest silty-gravel soils in the foothill, mid-mountain, and mountain zones of Artsakh, located at an altitude of 600-1300 m above sea level, where the average annual amount of precipitation varies between 490-600 mm, are light-brown, brown, and dark-brown in color. According to the findings of the study, the tiered method of basic soil cultivation by its moisture accumulation and the anti-erosion effectiveness is superior to the anti-erosion measures applied in the traditional ploughshare tillage system. In the case of tiered method of cultivation, water from atmospheric precipitation is well absorbed in deep cracks developed in the soil, it prevents surface and subsoil flow on slopes, and during freezing in winter and thawing in spring, it provides self-loosening of the soil. High yields are produced as a result of water retention and organic matter mulch on the soil surface, which reduce ineffective moisture loss and runoff.

Well pads frozen foundations at the Yamburg field in a climate change

The results of long-term observation of the foundations temperature regime and dangerous cryogenic processes development near exploited well pads on the Yamburg field are presented. Temperature observations (1992-2020) includes data on four well pads. Influence of the natural and anthropogenic factors on the permafrost temperature regime was investigated. Based on a great experience of dangerous cryogenic processes field observations, a thermoerosion near gas well pads were characterized. Some well pads are considered, where the increasing of riverbed and ravine thermoerosion required the development of anti-erosion measures. According to observations, well pads frozen foundations temperature increases by an average of 0,039 °C per year. The results of observations show the absence of a pronounced technogenic temperature increase in the frozen well pads foundations, which Cenomanian gas produces. Taliks with a radius of 5-10 m around the wells are observed at the well pads foundations, which Valanginian gas produces. On the slopes and adjacent depressions, the temperature of frozen rocks is high, sandy soils of the dumps are subject to erosion. The development of thermoerosion processes threatens to the well pads foundations near the eroded riversides, in the areas of ice-wedge polygonal tundra.

Vasyl Pastushenko’s Scientific School in the Development of Soil Protection Technologies in Ukraine

The article describes the achievements of scientists of the leading scientific school of thought on the development of soil protection technologies in Ukraine, founded by Vasyl Onufriievych Pastushenko (1907–1999). The introduction of the years of the scientists’ research in Ukrainian farms with different soil and climatic conditions has resulted in efficient production of quality agricultural products and improvement of environmental conditions, particularly, the improvement of soil protection crop rotations with the cultivation of mixtures of perennial legumes and siderates, anti-erosion cultivation of soil across the slopes, fertilizer and mulching, etc. Among the followers of Vasyl Pastushenko are the well-known scientists P. I. Boiko, V. O. Borodan, V. V. Kulbida, H. K. Medvid, I. H. Predko, I. H. Zakharchenko, and others. The purpose of the article is to review the achievements of these scientists in the development of soil protection, anti-erosion measures in different soil and climatic conditions in Ukraine.

Differential Interferometry over Sentinel-1 TopSAR Images as a Tool for Water and Tillage Soil Erosion Analysis

Erosion is a major problem on agricultural lands in Europe. Erosion measurement tools have traditionally been focused on delocalized quantification but without mapping the real places inside the basin where the erosion took effect. In this article, we use new space missions, such as Sentinel-1, and the opportunity they offer to obtain SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images with high frequency, resolution, range, and, above all, availability to enable the application of techniques, like differential interferometry, in new fields. We propose to measure ground deformation caused by water and tillage erosion in small agricultural basins using TopSAR (Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans SAR, Synthetic Aperture Radar) images acquired by the Sentinel-1 mission, after previously verifying the accuracy of these measurements through comparison with measurements from a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system. The results of this work confirm the potential of monitoring erosion in agricultural basins with differential interferometry over Sentinel-1 TopSAR images. Its capabilities have been successfully tested in different conditions related to agricultural tasks without precipitation or storm events. This technique makes it possible to study both water and tillage erosion and sedimentation processes and even to test the efficiency of anti-erosion measures in the field or to verify the results of different management practices over time.

Методические подходы к проектированию комплексов противоэрозионных мероприятий в Кабардино-Балкарской Республике

Approaches to the design and creation of complexes of anti-erosion measures are presented, which are based on a certain algorithm of measures that takes into account predetermined parameters. The proposed approaches were developed on the basis of the results of many years of research carried out at specific sites with certain natural and anthropogenic conditions. In addition, these approaches were implemented at certain territorial sites of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic with thoroughly studied natural and anthropogenic conditions. Keywords: SOIL, INTENSIFICATION, POTENTIAL, EVALUATION, EROSION, PROTECTION, COMPLEX, ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY

Estimation of anti-erosion effect of narrow forest belts around illuvial meadows

Novosilskaya zonal agroforestry experimental station was founded in 1921 for development measures to combat water erosion. In the article, the authors carried out the research to identify the soil-protective efficiency of agroforestry-meadow reclamation measures of the anti-erosion complex. The creation of spruce strips around the meadows, on the slope lands of the Glubkovsky dry fields contributed to a radical change in the soil cover: an increase in the humus horizon, the content of humus, and a decrease in the bulk mass. The studied anti-erosion measures had a positive effect on the fertility of illuvial soils.

Numerical and experimental study of droplet-film-interaction for low pressure steam turbine erosion protection applications

One common approach for anti-erosion measures in low pressure steam turbines is to equip a hollow stator vane with slots on the airfoil surface in order to remove the water film by suction and consequently reduce the amount of secondary droplets. The purpose of this paper is to build an understanding of the predominant effects in fluid-film interaction and to examine the suitability of modern numerical methods for the design process of such slots. The performance of a suction slot in terms of collection rate and air leakage is investigated numerically in a flatplate setup with upstream injection of water. In order to model the relevant phenomena (film transport, edge stripping of droplets, transport of droplets in the surrounding fluid, wall impingement of droplets) an unsteady Eulerian-Lagrangian simulation setup is applied. The accuracy of the numerical approach is assessed by comparison with experimental measurements. The comparison of four cases with the measured data demonstrates that the chosen simulation approach is able to predict the main features of film flow and interaction with the surrounding fluid. The collection rate as well as fluid film properties show the same qualitative dependency from water mass flow rate and air velocity.

Non-traditional legumes in the soil-protecting crop rotation of the mountain zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania

Mountainous and sloping lands occupy one third of the territory of our country, more than 50% in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, and are a huge reserve for increasing agricultural production. Soil and climatic conditions on the slopes of the mountains and in the intermountain valleys make it possible to grow environmentally friendly products, to heal the seeds of agricultural crops from viral diseases. Increasing the production of agricultural products is one of the most important problems of agriculture. The mountainous territory of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is an important reserve for increasing the volume of agricultural production. About forty percent of the total area of the republic is concentrated here, most of which is characterized by favorable soil and climatic conditions. The development of agrotechnical, anti-erosion measures is one of the factors of preventing erosion processes in the soil and restoring soil fertility. The research was carried out in a mountainous area on mountain-meadow soils. According to the mechanical composition, it is middle loamy. The soil contains a high level of organic matter. It is moderately provided with hydrolyzable nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, and is highly provided with potassium. Studies have shown that these soils are favorable for the cultivation of perennial non-traditional leguminous grass species-eastern galega and crown vetch and the obtaining of products with high feed rates. The greatest soil protection effect from water erosion in the crop rotation was possessed by perennial leguminous grasses cultivated on a herbage – clover with timothy, eastern galega and crown vetch, which have a coefficient of soil protection from water erosion. In the soil-protecting six-field crop rotation eastern galega and crown vetch improved the structural and aggregate composition of the soil, the water resistance of soil aggregates, density and pore volume, also they increased soil fertility.

Adaptation of a freshwater evaluation framework to a coastal system: The case of Kamari, Santorini

The erosion of sandy beaches creates a significant impact on the local society, the economy and the environment. The present study is an attempt to adapt the innovative DESSIN (Demonstrate Ecosystem Services Enabling Innovation in the Water Sector) framework that specializes in freshwater applications, to urban coastal systems. The framework is applied in the case of Kamari beach, Santorini (Greece), to assess the sustainability of all possible anti-erosion measures. To identify the most vulnerable parts of the coastline, the study used two sensitivity indices: the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI), and the Socioeconomic Index (SocCVI). A supply-demand model was applied for the integration of all three aspects that characterize the system: social, economic, and environmental. To project the impact of erosion in the future, the system's state was analyzed in three steps a) the present, b) after the installation of the coastal protection measures and c) a scenario where no protection actions were taken (RCP4.5 scenario). In the current situation the most susceptible part of the coastline due to anthropogenic and environmental pressures is the central one, which does not immediately affect the socio-economic activities of the urban area. In contrast, future changes brought about by climate change will endanger the system's equilibrium and anti-erosion actions are necessary. With the application of the adapted DESSIN framework, the combined installation of submerged breakwaters with sediment replacement is the most sustainable action, promoting socio-economic growth and the protection of essential ecosystem services.

Perception of climate change and adaptation strategies in tea plantations of Assam, India.

There is increasing evidence that climate change will strongly affect tea cultivation. It will be one of the challenging issues, particularly for the tea plantations of Assam, India. Based on a questionnaire survey carried out in four major tea-growing regions of Assam, viz., Upper Assam, South Bank, North Bank and Cachar, the study analyses tea growers' awareness of climate change, its impact on tea, adaptive approaches undertaken and future strategies. Majority of respondents were aware of climate change and its effect on tea production. Tea growers attributed prolong drought, excessive precipitation within a short period, temperature extremes, increase in insect and disease infestation, the emergence of new insect pest species, increased weed infestation and wind velocity as underlying effects of climate change. Results also specified that tea growers had a positive approach towards adaptive management strategies to mitigate climate change. Adaptive measures executed to combat climate change included rainwater harvesting, irrigation, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, soil mulching and creation of wind barriers. As future management strategies, tea growers have opted to gradually replace synthetic fertilisers with organic manures and pesticides, construct anti-erosion measures along riversides and embankments, generate awareness programs among the workers and other residents on conserving biodiversity, generate clean energy for tea production and cultivate climate tolerant/resistant cultivars. The present study will be helpful to make more informed future strategies regarding best practices for tea cultivation under a changing climate for tea-growing regions all over the world.

Multi-temporal analysis of erosional plots using aerial images and deep soil probes

ABSTRACT Evaluating erosion processes and their influence on soil degradation over extensive agricultural landscape is difficult. Because of the need for analysis and mapping of this problem, we elaborated a procedure applicable to a specific, intensively farmed, erosion-threatened chernozem area of CZ or similar regions. The aim of the research was to verify the possibility of digital aerial image analysis, along with a control study of soil sampling. To define and compare the boundaries and extent of erosion and deposition processes, we used images from two different years, showing changes in soil degradation. Orthorectification and unsupervised image classification were followed by interpretation and statistical evaluation. The results, locating erosional, transitional and depositional areas, were verified in laboratory analysis of soil samples for selected soil characteristics. Comparison of aerial images showed changes in the agricultural landscape over 35 years, showing an increase of ca. 60% in erosional areas. Extensive changes also occurred in transitional and depositional areas as material from the subsoil horizon of erosional areas covered some depositional areas. Importantly, our research confirmed the potential of digital aerial image analysis as a method of studying soil erosion over extensive landscape, and the possibility of using it in planning anti-erosion measures.

Ecosystem Services of Vegetation Features as the Multifunction Anti-Erosion Measures in the Czech Republic in 2019 and Its 30-Year Prediction

The communication presents the pieces of information of the ecosystem services estimation of the four research localities transformed from an arable land to vegetation features—bosks. These bosks should dispose several ecological functions, primarily anti-erosion measures, additionally the local biodiversity increase, unfavorable microclimate mitigation, shelter provision for small game, birds and insects, or wood and fruit production, etc. One of these benefits, the biodiversity increase, can be evaluated using the Habitat Valuation Method (HVM) and expressed by the financial value obtained on the basis of a combination of expert valuation and cost replacement method. The various combinations of local woody plants and bushes within the project Multifunction anti-erosion measures as a part of adaptable landscape were planted or sown at the project localities (South Moravia and Žďárské vrchy, Czech Republic) in March 2019. Ecosystem services evaluation was one of the fundamental outcomes of the project. The most important result was the calculated value increase of the service termed “environment for the species life providing and genetic diversity conserving”. The increase means the difference between the state prior to planting and the expected target state after 30 years as specified in HVM. In total, the increase of this ecosystem service of the four bosks was valued at 2,633,809.64 CZK (97,206.48 EUR/114,399.06 USD).

Water Erosion Risk Assessment in the Kenya Great Rift Valley Region

The Kenya Great Rift Valley (KGRV) region unique landscape comprises of mountainous terrain, large valley-floor lakes, and agricultural lands bordered by extensive Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The East Africa (EA) region has received high amounts of rainfall in the recent past as evidenced by the rising lake levels in the GRV lakes. In Kenya, few studies have quantified soil loss at national scales and erosion rates information on these GRV lakes’ regional basins within the ASALs is lacking. This study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate soil erosion rates between 1990 and 2015 in the Great Rift Valley region of Kenya which is approximately 84.5% ASAL. The mean erosion rates for both periods was estimated to be tolerable (6.26 t ha−1 yr−1 and 7.14 t ha−1 yr−1 in 1990 and 2015 respectively) resulting in total soil loss of 116 Mt yr−1 and 132 Mt yr−1 in 1990 and 2015 respectively. Approximately 83% and 81% of the erosive lands in KGRV fell under the low risk category (<10 t ha−1 yr−1) in 1990 and 2015 respectively while about 10% were classified under the top three conservation priority levels in 2015. Lake Nakuru basin had the highest erosion rate net change (4.19 t ha−1 yr−1) among the GRV lake basins with Lake Bogoria-Baringo recording annual soil loss rates >10 t ha−1 yr−1 in both years. The mountainous central parts of the KGRV with Andosol/Nitisols soils and high rainfall experienced a large change of land uses to croplands thus had highest soil loss net change (4.34 t ha−1 yr−1). In both years, forests recorded the lowest annual soil loss rates (<3.0 t ha−1 yr−1) while most of the ASAL districts presented erosion rates (<8 t ha−1 yr−1). Only 34% of all the protected areas were found to have erosion rates <10 t ha−1 yr−1 highlighting the need for effective anti-erosive measures.

Influence of the anti-erosion complex on erosion-hydrological indicators and productivity of cultivated crops

An assessment of the impact of the anti-erosion complex on the productivity of cultivated crops has presented on the example of many years of experience in contour-ameliorative agriculture of the Kursk FARC located in the northern part of the Medvensky district of the Kursk region. Two subtypes of chernozem represent the soil of the experiment: typical and leached. As anti-erosion measures, narrow-row stock-regulating poplar forest belts, reinforced by a simple hydraulic structure (ditch and rampart along the lower edge), have designed and planted along the contour at a distance of 216 m. There are no anti-erosion measures in the control catchment. Analysis of long-term data showed a decrease in runoff and the absence of soil washout in the catchment area with a system of narrow-row forest belts 38 years after the experiment has laid in comparison with the control. For the control catchment, a maximum soil washing of 22 t/ha recorded which significantly exceeds the permissible standards of flush. A significant increase in crop productivity averaged 5.2 feed units. The profitability of growing crops in fields with forest belts exceeds the control by almost 50%. The anti-erosion complex performs the task of strengthening the soil-protective role of the farming system.

Modern Methods to Provide Resource Security of Agricultural Land-Use

Protection and rational use of agricultural land resources is an urgent subject of scientific research and a state task due to new challenges to humanity: the growth of the Earth’s population, climate change, deterioration and soil fertility. In this regard, the article examines the resource security of land use. In particular, the authors analyze the availability of sown areas and their structure in Ukraine for 1990-2021 and conclude that their reduction by 12.4% and irrational use, namely: non-compliance with the Standards of optimal ratio of crops in crop rotations in different natural and agricultural regions, especially standards for areas under fodder crops, perennial and annual grasses. The article also analyzes the preservation of the balance between the removal of nutrients from the soil by crops and compensatory application of mineral and organic fertilizers. The authors conclude that catastrophically low levels of organic fertilizer application due to repeated shrinkage of livestock and poultry in 1990-2020. As a result, the fertility of agricultural land is reduced, the soil loses the most valuable component – humus. The article identifies phenomena dangerous to the resource security of agriculture: significant spread of water and wind erosion, salinization and acidification, intensive mechanical tillage, soil pollution due to emissions from industrial enterprises, livestock complexes, vehicles (especially cars), violations of the rules of extraction, transportation and processing of minerals, application and storage of agrochemicals and pesticides, utilization and storage of waste. The authors substantiate the feasibility of greening agricultural land use using the following areas and methods: carrying out of the proper land management and streamlining of structure of sown areas according to the specifications approved by the government; improving the balance between removal and compensatory application of nutrients through the use of green manure, straw, nutrient residues, sapropel, peat, vermiculture development; streamlining of lease relations in order to strengthen land protection; anti-erosion measures, liming and plastering of soils; improvement of agricultural machinery in order to significantly reduce the physical degradation of arable land; reduction of field pollution by industrial, transport and other emissions; changes in attitudes to land use, the development of its ecological culture