Erosion Management Research Articles

Eruditing from indigenous adaptation strategies for resilient and sustainable coastal erosion management in southeastern Ghana

Ghana is witnessing an increase in the construction of coastal flood defence walls on its coast but the effects of the coastal defence on people have not been well documented. This paper explores two issues: (1) indigenous strategies for preventing sea erosion and (2) the effects the modern coastal flood defence structures constructed along the southeastern coast of Ghana are having on the people. This study provides new insights into the understanding of indigenous methods that were used to address coastal flooding in the eastern section of Ghana and the effects the modern coastal defence structures are having on the people. Through multiphase sampling, a sample of 282 residents living in 17 communities affected by sea erosion in the Keta, Anloga, and Ada East District Assemblies where coastal defence structures were constructed were selected. Questionnaires were administered to these 282 respondents. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also held in three communities, namely Keta, Atorkor and Totepe where coastal defence structures were constructed. The planning officers of the 3 district assemblies, the chief fishermen in the 3 communities where the FGDs were held, leaders of salt winners and 3 elders in each community were the key informants. Using descriptive statistics, the study revealed that, indigenous strategies like filling the beach with sand, building away from the seashore, and raising the foundations of buildings were used to protect the houses and communities from sea erosion but these strategies are no longer working thereby forcing the government to construct ‘modern’ coastal flood defence wallson the coast. The ‘modern’ coastal defence structures are in some places protecting the people and the land since they no longer experience sea erosion on a large scale. However, in places where armour rocks are used to protect the land, people now see them as preventing them from enjoying the natural beach as they used to and as a hindrance to their livelihoods of fishing. It is recommended that, as far as possible, soft engineering strategies like beach nourishment or sand dunes which are in line with the indigenous methods be used since they can lead to easy adaptation for sustainability.

Adaptation of coastal defence structure as a mechanism to alleviate coastal erosion in monsoon dominated coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The complexity of the coastal environment and the advent of climate change cause coastal erosion, which is incontrovertibly a significant concern worldwide, including Peninsular Malaysia, where, the coast is threatened by severe erosion linked to anthropogenic factors and monsoonal wind-driven waves. Consequently, the Malaysian government implemented a mitigation plan using several coastal defence systems to overcome the coastal erosion problem. This study assesses coastal erosion management strategies along a monsoon-dominated coasts by evaluating the efficacy of coastal protection structures against the coast. To this end, we analysed 244 km of the coastline of Terengganu, a federal state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Due to a higher frequency of storms and the ensuing inception of high wave energy environments during the northeast monsoon (relative to southwest monsoon), the study area is the most impacted region in Malaysia with regard to coastal erosion. Fifty-five (55) coastal defence structures were detected along the Terengganu coastline. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) was utilised to compute changes in the rate statistics for various historical shoreline positions along the Terengganu coast to assess the efficacy of the defence structures. Additionally, this study acquired the perception of the existing coastal management strategies through an interview session with the concerned stakeholders. The rate statistics revealed the effectiveness and impact of the coastal defence structure on the coastline. Assessing the functionality of the coastal defence structures shed light on the present scenario of coastal erosion management. Greater efficacy and lower impact of coastal defence structures are prescribed for coastal erosion management strategies across the monsoon-dominated coast.

Hazard Assessment and Modeling of Erosion and Sea Level Rise under Global Climate Change Conditions for Coastal City Management

Sea-level rise in response to climate change and global warming severely impacts coastal cities through increased soil erosion and other hazards. Therefore, simulating threats in coastal locations is critical for coastal city management and planning. The Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous-Neural Network (NARX-NN) was used in conjunction with the Bruun model and GIS methods to estimate the rate of sea-level rise, develop a coastal erosion model and coastal hazards maps, and simulate a sea-level increase with a maximum speed of 79.26 mm/year, and an average of about 25.34 mm/year, with a 1.48 m/year average erosion rate simulated from 2013 to 2020 along Merang kechil to Kuala Marang in Terengganu state coastal areas. According to the Bruun model, the areas most vulnerable to shoreline erosion are Kuala Nerus, Pendagan Buluh, and Kuala Ibai. Batu Rakit (Reach 1) has the highest rate of coastal erosion, at 28.16%, compared to 16.5 percent in Kuala Nerus (Reach 2) and 19.1% in Pengadang Buluh (Reach 3). The findings of this study might be utilized to build new coastal hazard erosion maps in a GIS framework, which could then be used as part of Malaysia’s East Coast zone vulnerability assessment. The findings may also aid in the prioritization of conservation efforts in afflicted areas or the decision to adapt to the effects of coastal erosion. This article presents a methodological framework and an erosion management prioritization system to help coastal managers, planners, and developers identify hazardous zones and improve coastal management plans using geospatial models.

Evaluation of RUSLE and spatial assessment of agricultural soil erosion in Finland

Agricultural soil erosion has negative effects on surface water quality and aquatic ecosystems. A major impediment to agricultural erosion management in Finland has been the lack of high-resolution country-scale data on the spatial distribution of erosion. As a result, erosion mitigation measures have been targeted with limited information. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of the widely used RUSLE model against measurements from experimental fields, used the model to produce a two-metre resolution crop and management independent erosion estimate for all agricultural lands of Finland, and analysed erosion over different spatial scales. RUSLE showed skill (R2 = 0.76, NSE = 0.72) in estimating the observed erosion at experimental fields (55–2100 kg ha−1 yr−1) but with large errors (mean: −134 kg ha−1 yr−1, 90% range: −711 and 218 kg ha−1 yr−1). The evaluation, however, suggests that RUSLE performs similarly in Finland as elsewhere. The analysis of the developed country-scale data, in turn, revealed high erosion regions, and it showed how erosion varies between sub-catchment and between and within field parcels. For example, high-erosion areas concentrated in the proximity of water bodies were identified at the sub-catchment and within-field parcel scales. Altogether, the results demonstrate the predictive skill of RUSLE in high-latitude conditions, fill the earlier data gap in country-scale erosion, provide information for targeting erosion mitigation measures, and considerably improve the understanding of the spatial distribution of erosion in Finland.

The coastal protection and blue carbon benefits of hybrid mangrove living shorelines

Hybrid living shorelines use a combination of engineered structures with natural ecosystems to achieve coastal protection and habitat restoration outcomes, with added co-benefits such as carbon sequestration. Rock fillets constructed along eroding estuarine banks are designed to accumulate sediment, establish mangroves, and stabilise the shoreline. There is, however, a lack of data to support whether rock fillets are achieving these goals. We used a chronosequence of rock fillets to determine their effect on mangrove development, bank stabilisation and carbon sequestration in four estuaries in New South Wales, Australia. Aboveground biomass and adult density increased with age of rock fillets, and mangrove structure was similar to a natural fringing mangrove after 15 years. The rock fillets accumulated sediment, which reduced the eroded estuary bank height, however, little effect of the fillets on bank slope was observed. Sediment carbon stocks were not different between rock fillets, eroding estuary banks and natural fringing mangroves. Rock fillet design had a significant effect on mangrove structure and coastal protection function, with greater wave transmission through lower rock fillets, suggesting design optimisation is needed. As the construction cost of the rock fillets was equal or less than traditional rock revetments, where suitable they present a more economic and environmentally sustainable solution to estuarine erosion management.

Influence of Landscape Pattern Evolution on Soil Conservation in a Red Soil Hilly Watershed of Southern China

The Tingjiang Watershed is a typical mountainous area with red soil in the south of China. Due to the high rainfall intensity, significant cultivated land expansion, and accelerated urbanization, ecological problems such as soil erosion are prominent in the study area. Based on the land use, precipitation, digital elevation model (DEM), normalized difference vegetation Index (NDVI), and soil types in 2000, 2010, and 2020, the landscape pattern and soil conservation in the Tingjiang Watershed were assessed at the sub-watershed scale. The spatial correlation between soil conservation and landscape pattern was analyzed using GeoDA software. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the total amount of soil conservation decreased by 4.15 × 108 t. In terms of spatial analysis, the amount of soil conservation in the Tingjiang Watershed showed an upward and then downward trend in the north and a downward trend in the south, with the most obvious downward trend in the southeast and the northeast. (2) Fragmentation of the overall landscape pattern in the Tingjiang Watershed has increased. The discrete degree and homogeneity of patches decreased in Changting County, while landscape heterogeneity and homogeneity increased in Shanghang, Liancheng, and Yongding Counties. (3) Soil conservation was significantly correlated with the landscape indices patch density (PD), landscape shape index (LSI), mean patch area (AREA_MN), patch cohesion index (COHESION), splitting index (SPLIT), and Shannon evenness index (SHEI). Sub-watersheds with low soil conservation had landscape splitting index, landscape dispersion, patch type richness, and boundary complexity. These areas were mainly distributed in the southern part of the watershed. Sub-watersheds with higher soil conservation were characterized by low patch fragmentation and strong connectivity of dominant patches, which were mainly located in the northern part of the watershed. (4) The spatial error model (SEM) fit better in 2000, 2010, and 2020 compared with the spatial lag model (SLM) and ordinary least squares regression (OLS). The diagnostic results of the SEM model show that among the six landscape indices, PD, SHEI, and AREA_MN are the main influencing factors affecting soil conservation in the watershed to different degrees. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response state of soil conservation capacity as landscape patterns evolve in the Tingjiang Watershed, with the goal of providing a reference for landscape planning and management as well as soil erosion management in the watershed.

Endoscopic Gastric Band Removal.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures have declined worldwide in recent years. A known complication is the intraluminal erosion of the prosthetic material. The endoscopic management of gastric band erosion represents the recommended approach nowadays, and it avoids any additional trauma to the gastric wall already damaged by the migration. The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of endoscopic management for intraluminal gastric band erosion following LAGB. From January 2009-December 2020, a total of 29 patients were retrospectively reviewed after undergoing endoscopic gastric band removal. The study included all consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic gastric band removal in this period. No patients were excluded from the study. Data on patient demographic characteristics, case history, operative details (procedural time, adverse events), and complications were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-nine patients underwent endoscopic gastric band removal: 22 women (75.8%) with a mean age of 45 years (range: 28-63) and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31 ± 4.7 kg/m2 (range: 24-41). The average time to the identification of erosion after LAGB was 42 months (range: 28-137). The initial upper endoscopy found a migrated band of more than half of the diameter in 21 cases, less than a half but more than a third in seven cases and in one case, less than a third (use of a stent). Twenty-seven patients were successfully treated with endoscopic removal, and in two cases, the endoscopic approach failed, and laparoscopy was further performed. The endoscopic management of intraluminal erosion after LAGB can be safe and effective and should be considered the procedure of choice when treating this complication. The percentage of the band migration is important for the timing of the endoscopic removal.

Management of genetic erosion: The (successful) case study of the pear (Pyrus communis L.) germplasm of the Lazio region (Italy).

Pyrus communis L. is an important temperate fruit with high nutritional and economic value. Italy, as the largest pear producer in the EU and second in the world, has a particularly rich germplasm characterized by hundreds of local varieties. The Lazio Region was the first Italian region to start programs focused on safeguarding varieties at risk of extinction and has started a massive census of fruit varieties by combining molecular data and productive-territorial information. In this study, 311 pear accessions collected from the five provinces of the Lazio region were genetically characterized by the means of nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, eight of which were recommended by the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR). The SSR analysis revealed 250 unique genotypes and 14 cases of synonymies, namely, accessions with different names but identical molecular profiles (100% genetic similarity). The microsatellite set showed a high polymorphism information content (PIC; mean PIC=0.77) and an exceptionally high discrimination power (DP = 0.99), making it particularly efficient both for the study of genetic diversity and for the prediction of the degree of ploidy. Notably, 20% of the accessions displayed triallelic profiles (i.e., accessions having ≥2 loci with a third allele), while the remaining accessions were diploids. These results were further confirmed by flow cytometry data analysis. Standardization of the molecular analyses at the national and international levels and harmonization of the SSR sets used for germplasm characterization are of paramount importance for producing molecular profiles useful for registration and variety maintenance.

Plant phenology drives seasonal changes in shear stress partitioning in a semi-arid rangeland

Accurate representation of surface roughness in predictive models of aeolian sediment transport and dust emission is required for model accuracy and for models to inform wind erosion management. While past wind tunnel and field studies have examined roughness effects on drag partitioning, the spatial and temporal variability of surface shear velocity and the shear stress ratio remain poorly described. Here, we use a four-month dataset of total shear velocity (u*) and soil surface shear velocity (us*) measurements to examine the spatiotemporal variability of the shear stress ratio (R) before, during, and after vegetation green-up at a honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) shrub-invaded grassland in the Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico, USA. Results show that vegetation green-up, the emergence of leaves, led to increased drag and surface aerodynamic sheltering and a reduction in us* and R magnitude and variability. We found that us* decreased from 20% to 5% of u* as the vegetation form drag and its sheltering effect increased. Similarly, the spatiotemporal variability of R was found to be linked directly to plant phenological phases. We conclude that drag partition schemes should incorporate seasonal vegetation change, via dynamic drag coefficients and/or R, to accurately predict the timing and magnitude of seasonal aeolian sediment fluxes. The drag partition response to mesquite phenological phases also provided insight to potential mesquite herbicide treatment effects which, if successful, could increase wind erosivity and the onsite and downwind impacts of wind erosion unless protection by herbaceous plants is maintained.

A Preliminary Study on the Research and Development of Digital Soil and Water Conservation Intelligent Management Platform -- Taking Anji County as an example

In order to comprehensively improve the digital level of soil and water conservation in Anji County, it is necessary to realize the "one map management" of soil and water conservation by the information sharing and interaction among multiple government departments. With the new generation of information technologies such as big data, digital twin, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, use "11143" as the construction framework, improve the data warehouse of soil and water conservation to achieve "one map management" of the whole life cycle of production and construction projects; monitor soil erosion in real time through satellite remote sensing data and provide early warning and forecasting; and dock with the national "double carbon" strategy to build a carbon sink management system for soil and water conservation. It is expected to be built into a water and soil conservation wisdom management platform that meets multiple business application scenarios such as supervision of production and construction projects, dynamic monitoring and comprehensive management of soil erosion, wisdom decision making and application, and industry promotion services.

Impact of Land Configuration and Nutrients Levels on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Oilseed Crops: A Review

Crops are sown using a variety of land configuration techniques, which have major benefits for the correct growth of oilseed crops as well as for the effective use of water and the management of soil erosion. Different land configurations like flat bed, line sowing, and broad bed furrow play an important part in reducing problems with plants and soil like spacing, water need, and nutrient retention. Land layout factors like slope and elevation may also have an impact. Nutrient concentrations like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are necessary for a plant to grow and develop. While insufficient nutrient levels might limit development and lower production, sufficient nutrient levels can increase crop yield and quality. Other than macro nutrients sulphur element is also one of the major nutrients for the better production of oilseed crops. The majority of crops typically flourish on marginal, poor soils with unbalanced nutrient applications. Nitrogen is one of many nutrients that is essential for all crops. One of the most crucial elements needed to increase agricultural yield and profitability in semi-arid climates is nitrogen management.

Sustainable Alternatives for the Reduction of Soil Degradation: A Study on Geo-Textile´s Economic Efficiency

Soil erosion presents a pressing global issue that gravely impacts agriculture, food security, and the environment, necessitating immediate attention. Exploring innovative alternatives to combat soil degradation effectively is imperative while ensuring sustainable soil management. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing geo-textiles as a sustainable solution for soil erosion compared to conventional methods like weeding. The primary objective is to assess the economic efficiency of geo-textiles and rank them against traditional approaches. To achieve these objectives, we have developed mathematical models to evaluate and rank the alternatives comprehensively. The study utilized the Single Price Model method to establish a complete ranking of the alternatives. By considering economic efficiency as a key criterion, geo-textiles demonstrated their potential as a viable solution for soil erosion management, with model 4, geo-textiles made from recyclable materials, being the most efficient model of the geo-textiles studied behind the traditional plough. In conclusion, geo-textiles offer a promising alternative to traditional weeding methods, demonstrating their potential for economic efficiency and sustainable soil management. This study’s results underscore the importance of adopting innovative approaches to combat soil erosion, providing crucial guidance to decision-makers and practitioners in pursuing sustainable agricultural practices.

基于生态监管的生态保护修复工程实施成效评估指标体系

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 基于生态监管的生态保护修复工程实施成效评估指标体系 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202201260248 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家重点研发计划项目（2020YFC1806305） Ecological supervision oriented evaluation indicator system for performance assessment of ecological protection and restoration project implementation Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:生态监管是保障生态保护修复工程有效实施的重要途径，生态保护修复监督评估是我国当前维护生态环境安全的迫切需求和生态监管开展的有力抓手。在对国内外已有生态保护修复成效评估相关理论方法进行分析的基础上，围绕生态保护修复工程实施目标，结合生态监管要求，统筹考虑"山水林田湖草生命共同体"理念、生态保护修复工程类型、指标可操作性和兼容性等因素，综合运用频度分析法、专家咨询法和层次分析法等方法，提出了生态保护修复工程实施成效评估指标体系，构建了包括生态环境成效和工程管理成效的指标体系。其中，生态环境成效指标由共性指标和个性指标组成，共性指标包括生态系统格局、生态系统功能、生态干扰等方面的具体指标，个性指标包括森林保护修复工程、草原保护修复工程、湿地保护修复工程、矿山修复工程、防沙治沙工程、石漠化治理工程、水土流失治理工程、地质灾害治理工程、流域综合治理工程等不同工程类型的具体指标。工程管理成效指标主要包括工程绩效、工程实施及公众满意等方面的具体指标。在对各项指标评估的基础上，通过综合评估计算对生态保护修复工程实施成效进行评估。基于生态系统格局指数、生态系统功能指数、生态干扰指数、工程管理成效指数及不同工程类型的个性指标指数，得到生态保护修复工程实施成效综合指数，在此基础上，对生态保护修复工程实施成效进行分级，包括不合格、一般、良好和优秀4个等级，反映生态保护修复工程实施成效状况。研究可为生态监管要求下的生态保护修复工程实施成效评估提供指导方法和重要参考。 Abstract:Surveillance, monitoring and management are important measures to maintain the ecological benefits from the ecological protection and restoration projects. Evaluation on these projects is needed to protect the eco-environmental safety and an effective measure for the ecological management. Based on the investigation on the domestic and abroad studies on the methodology, the indicator selection and the application, this study proposes an index system to evaluate the ecological effects of the ecological protection and restoration projects, focusing on the implementation goals of the ecological protection and restoration projects as well as ecological supervision objectives. Taking the concept of "a living community of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, and grasslands", the types of ecological protection and restoration projects, the operability and compatibility of indicators, and other factors into comprehensive consideration, the index system that includes the ecological and environmental achievements as well as the project management performances is established using the methods of frequency analysis, expert consultation and analytic hierarchy process. Among them, the ecological and environmental achievements indicators are composed of common and individual indicators. Common indicators include specific indicators of ecosystem pattern, ecosystem function, and ecological interference. Individual indicators include specific indicators of different project types, such as forest protection and restoration projects, grassland protection and restoration projects, wetland protection and restoration projects, mine restoration projects, sand control projects, rock desertification management projects, soil erosion management projects, geological disaster management projects, and comprehensive watershed treatment projects. The indicators of project management performances mainly include specific indicators of project performance, project implementation, and public satisfaction. The values of assessment indicators focus on the change rates of their values to the background values, reflecting the relevant changes arising from the implementation of ecological protection and restoration projects. Based on the assessment of each indicator, the implementation performances of ecological protection and restoration projects is evaluated through comprehensive calculation. According to the ecosystem pattern index, ecosystem function index, ecological disturbance index, project management effectiveness index, and individual indexes of different project types, a comprehensive index of ecological protection and restoration project implementation performances is obtained. On this basis, the implementation performances of ecological protection and restoration projects is graded into four levels:unqualified, average, good, and excellent, indicating the status of implementation performances of ecological protection and restoration projects. This study can provide a guiding method and important reference for assessing the implementation performances of ecological protection and restoration projects in accordance with the ecological supervision requirements. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

SCS-CN and GIS-Based Approach for Estimating Runoff in Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Designing reservoir operations, hydraulic structure, and soil erosion management techniques all require an estimation of a potential runoff. Accurate runoff in-formation is typically scarce in Saudi Arabia—a significant challenge for hydrologists. Wadi-Rahjan catchment in Western Saudi Arabia has been taken as a case study to determine the potential runoff estimates. The study integrates the soil conservation service curve number (SCN-CN) technique, remote sensing (RS), and geographical information system (GIS). Critical parameters including the digital elevation model (DEM), land use/land cover (LULC), hydrologic soil groups (HSGs), and rainfall data were also employed. The curve number (CN), which shows the catchment’s reaction to a storm was estimated based on LULC and HSG layers. The CN map obtained and rainfall data were employed in the GIS-based SCS-CN model to develop the potential runoff map. Based on the results of calculations, the study area is classified into three HSGs, namely, B, C, D. Averagely, CN for a normal condition is 90 while wet and dry conditions are 97 and 80, respectively. Results obtained from the SCS-CN method’s calculations reveal a yearly runoff result that varies from 194 mm to 295 mm. A higher percentage of runoff water (35%) in a runoff range from 289 to 295 mm, followed by 24%, ranged 269 to 288 mm. An interesting rainfall-runoff regression evaluation reveals a good 0.90 correlation. Other watersheds in Saudi Arabia may use this method for planning and development.

Prioritising interventions for the reduction of erosion in classical gullies: a modelling study

Context Gully erosion is a significant socioeconomic and environmental issue that affects agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and water quality of receiving waters. Despite a variety of interventions to prevent gully formation and rehabilitate existing gullies, cost-effective interventions are specific to individual gullies. Aims The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a suite of gully management interventions across three different classical gullies. Methods A one-dimensional process-based model, MERGE (modelling erosion resistance for gully erosion), was used to quantify the sediment yield exiting the gullies, in response to various management interventions. Key results The net decrease in sediment yield was 2.5–57.4% for each of four interventions applied in isolation and 51.2–78.7% in combination. Reductions in sediment yield for each intervention varied markedly among sites, by a factor of 2.6–78.3 in absolute terms. This resulted in a unique ranking of the interventions by their effectiveness for a given site. Overall, interventions applied in combination were most effective, outperforming those applied in isolation by a factor of 1.24–1.37, but the effect of applying interventions in combination was not additive. Conclusions This study demonstrates the ability of the gully erosion model MERGE to be a useful tool to identify and tailor effective intervention strategies for individual gullies, and be a useful guide for decision making for erosion management. Implications Analysis of expected benefits of gully remediation using tools such as MERGE is important for assessing options at gully sites due to their widely varying response.

Morphometric Analysis of Gandak River Drainage Basin Using Geographic Information System (GIS) And SRTM-DEM

Quantification of drainage networks in relation to geomorphology, lithology, climate, and tectonics gives important evidence of an area’s hydro-geomorphic, denudation characteristics, and drainage development. The current research used the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) DEM to investigate drainage morphometry and its impact upon the environment, as well as hydrological analysis of the Gandak river basin, which is a prominent tributary of the River Ganga in India. The morphometric characteristics of watersheds have been evaluated using avant-garde methods like those developed by Horton and Strahler. Their findings demonstrate that techniques for geographic information systems and remote sensing are more effective for computing and analysing morphometric parameters. Using the Arc GIS 10.5 programme, 17 morphometric parameters were determined. These parameters reflect the dendritic type of drainage pattern of Gandak watershed. Specifically, these watershed has a porous subsurface; hence, runoff is comparatively modest, as seen by the low drainage density, infiltration rate, and frequency of streams. The Gandak basin’s low drainage density and coarse drainage pattern suggested an open opportunity for artificial recharge structures. The current morphological-based prioritisation is also supported by geological field verification. As a result, adequate soil erosion management techniques are required in this basin to protect the land from future erosion. This research will aid in the efficient use of water resources and the long-term development of the Gandak River basin.

Skin-related complications following deep brain stimulation surgery: A single-center retrospective analysis of 525 patients who underwent DBS surgery

BackgroundAlthough Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a safe and proven treatment modality for patients suffering from debilitating movement and neuropsychiatric disorders, it is not free from complications. Management of skin erosion and infection following DBS surgery constitutes a challenge in everyday clinical practice. ObjectivesSkin-related complications were evaluated in patients who underwent DBS surgery due to Parkinson’s disease (PD), dystonia, essential tremor (ET), and other indications including Tourette syndrome (TS), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and epilepsy. MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed on patients who underwent DBS surgery between November 2008 and September 2021 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw. Results525 patients who underwent 927 DBS leads implantations were included in the analysis. There were 398 patients with PD, 80 with dystonia, 26 with ET, 7 with drug-resistant epilepsy, 5 with Multiple Sclerosis, 4 with Holme's or cerebellar tremor, 3 with TS, and 2 with OCD. 42 patients (8,0%) had 78 skin infection episodes. The overall level of skin erosion was 3,8% (20/525 patients). The risk of developing infection episode was connected with younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.017) and at surgery (p = 0.023), whereas the development of skin erosion was connected with the dystonia diagnosis (p = 0.012). Patients with dystonia showed the highest rate of infections and erosions (11/70 and 7/70 patients retrospectively). DiscussionPostoperative skin complications are a serious side effect of DBS surgery. ConclusionOur study suggests that dystonic patients are at higher risk of developing skin-related complications after DBS surgery.

Plot-Scale Runoff Generation and Sediment Loss on Different Forest and Other Land Floors at a Karst Yellow Soil Region in Southwest China

Yellow soils developed in limestone weathering materials are representative on Guizhou Plateau, Southwest China. As one of the most important cultivated soils in Guizhou Province, karst yellow soils are generally thin and can be significantly damaged by mild soil erosion. This work used the structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the influence of various factors on runoff generation and sediment loss based on a long time series (2015–2020) of natural rainfall-runoff data and soil erosion data collected from 18 runoff plots in the karst yellow soil region of Southwest China, which reflects the erosion dynamics under natural conditions. Slope runoff plots are the most popular and efficient way to collect data on runoff generation and soil erosion. The findings show that: (1) There were 139 rainfall-runoff occurrences between 2015 and 2020, with moderate rain (10–25 mm) and heavy rain (25–50 mm) events making up the majority. Due to its high frequency and prolonged duration, heavy rain had the greatest impact on the overall rainfall erosivity R value (R). (2) Mean surface runoff (SR) values ranged from 17.37 mm to 133.90 mm, while mean sediment loss rates (SLR) ranged from 1.36 t·ha−1·a−1 to 23.49 t·ha−1·a−1. SR and SLR can be successfully reduced by the forest floor. Broadleaf forest, coniferous forest, mixed forest, and orchard had mean SR values of 19.33%, 12.97%, 16.10%, and 33.38% of fallow land, respectively, and had mean SLR values of 6.90%, 5.79%, 6.34%, and 12.64% of fallow land, respectively. (3) SR generation at the plot scale was substantially linked with 30-min maximum rainfall intensity (I30), while vegetation coverage (VC) and antecedent soil water content (ASW) showed negative direct inference on SR and runoff sediment concentration (RSC) according to SEM analysis. The VC and ASW showed the highest indirect impact on SLR. This study will serve as a scientific reference for the water and soil erosion management in karst yellow soil region and serve as a scientific guidance for regional land use in Southwest China.

Mapping Soil Erosion Dynamics (1990–2020) in the Pearl River Basin

Healthy soil is the key foundation of the world’s agriculture and an essential resource to ensure the world’s food security. Soil erosion is one of the serious forms of soil degradation and a major threat to sustainable terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we utilized a continuous Landsat satellite image dataset to map soil erosion changes (1990–2020) based on the RUSLE model across the Pearl River Basin. The study results indicated that: (1) The multi-year area-specific soil erosion average in the Pearl River Basin is approximately 538.95 t/(km2·a) with an annual soil loss of approximately 353 million tons; (2) The overall soil erosion displayed a decreasing trend over the past 30 years with an annual decreasing rate of −13.44(±1.53) t/(km2·a); (3) Soil erosion, dominated by low- and moderate-level erosion, primarily occurred in the tributary basin of Xijiang River, especially in the areas with slopes > 15°, low vegetation coverage, or poorly managed forests; (4) the NDVI and land cover were the dominant factors regulating soil erosion dynamics versus the insignificant role of precipitation played in the erosion procedure. The study results are valuable for soil erosion management and water conservation in the Pearl River Basin.

Evaluating Soil Loss for Identification of Land Risk Area in the Kabe Watershed of Ethiopia

Soil erosion is the main cause of topsoil loss in farming land, which results in reduction in cropland productivity. Soil loss estimation is crucial for developing soil and water conservation strategies for Ethiopia. The investigation aimed to estimate the soil loss in various intensifications of land use patterns, including slope categories, using the soil estimation model associated with the ArcGIS process. It is analyzed in Ethiopian conditions based on erosivity, soil erodibility, vegetative cover (C) remote sensing data, slop-length factor (LS), and management practices (P). The mean soil loss was relatively high (20.01 t ha−1yr−1) in the cultivated land, whereas it was lowest (0.17 t ha−1yr−1) under forest land. Soil loss in the watershed shows a significant variation under slope classification. Moreover, the land having a greater slope angle, or the upper slope of the watershed, contains maximum soil erosion, while the lower slope position has a minimum soil erosion rate. The validation shows that there is an insignificant variation between the predicted model and the experimental data. Therefore, this confirms that the model can be applied in the study watershed or elsewhere with similar agroecology to the study area. This research is also used to prepare an erosion management strategy for the conservation of soil and water in the watersheds.