Author(s): J. R. C. B. Abrantes; A. A. A. Montenegro; V. P. Silva Junior; J. L. M. P. De Lima
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Keywords: Mulching; Infiltration; Overland Flow; Rainfall Simulation
Abstract: Application of crop residues to soil is a common management practice for soil erosion control and for improving soil water storage, particularly in hillslopes at semiarid areas of the world. Rainfall interception, runoff generation, sediment transport and rainfall infiltration are complex phenomena, involving several interdependent processes. Antecedent moisture conditions, rainfall spatial and temporal distribution, and soil cover conditions play an important role in overland flow, detachment and transport of soil particles and infiltration. This study aimed to investigate, in controlled laboratory conditions, the effect of mulch density on runoff and sediment transport, by using rainfall events with the same total depth but with different durations and intensities. Laboratory experiments were conducted using a rainfall simulator and a soil flume with two soil cover conditions: i) Bare soil; and ii) Mulch cover with4 t/ha density of rice straw. Results clearly show that mulching strongly affects infiltration, soil moisture, surface runoff and erosion. Mulching reduced peak discharges and enhanced infiltration, and hence soil drainage. Special attention was given to the comparison of the hydrological response from low intensity long duration rainfall events with short bursts of high intensity.
Year: 2014