Surface Runoff and Soil Erosion from Nitisols and Ferralsols as Influenced by Different Soil Organic Carbon Levels under Simulated Rainfall Conditions
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Date
2023
Authors
Rugendo, Mercy K.
Gichimu, Bernard M.
Mugwe, Jayne N.
Mucheru-Muna, Monicah
Mugendi, Daniel N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd.
Abstract
Soil erosion poses a challenge to the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources,
particularly in relation to agricultural production. The study aimed to assess the influence of
different soil organic carbon (SOC) levels on runoff and soil erosion under varying levels of
rainfall intensity. The study was conducted in pre-selected farmers’ fields representing low,
moderate and adequate SOC levels in Nitisols and Ferralsols. Two parallel experiments were set up
in each type of soil using a split-plot layout arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design. The
main plots were the different soil organic carbon levels while the sub-plots were the different
simulated rainfall intensities. Rainfall simulation was then conducted to determine runoff and
sediment losses on each soil type. The simulation was done using a land type sprinkler nozzle
rainfall simulator (460 788 type) in an experimental plot of 1 m2
, fenced with corrugated iron
sheets with a small opening left for runoff collection. Runoff and sediment losses were determined
from the volume collected in the jar. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and significant mean differences were determined using Tukey’s Honest Test at a 95% confidence level.
Pearson correlation was applied to assess the relationship between runoff volume and sediment
loss. The results showed that Ferralsols recorded significantly higher runoff and sediment losses
compared to Nitisols, by 60.27% and 53.14% respectively. However, adequate SOC level portrayed a significant effect in reducing erosion in both soil types, where it reduced runoff and
sediment loss by 45.30% and 48.38% in Ferralsols and by 65.31% and 48.22% in Nitisols,
respectively. In both soil types, runoff yield was positively correlated to rainfall intensity while
sediment yield was inversely correlated with SOC levels. Therefore, the study recommends
incorporation of organic matter to adequate levels in both soils, for reduced soil erosion.
Description
Article
Keywords
Rainfall simulator, Sediment concentration, Surface runoff, Agricultural productivity, Soil organic carbon
Citation
Rugendo, M. K., Gichimu, B. M., Mugwe, J. N., Mucheru-Muna, M., & Mugendi, D. N. (2023). Surface runoff and soil erosion from Nitisols and Ferralsols as influenced by different soil organic carbon levels under simulated rainfall conditions. Heliyon.