Römkens, Mathias J. M. Soil Scntst (662) 232-2940 UPLAND EROSION PROCESSES P. O. BOX 1157, MC ELROY DRIVE Oxford MS 38655

Achieving watershed-scale erosion control requires an integrated approach of good land management practices, stream protection and stabilization measures, and measures to enhance local terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Upland Erosion Research contributes to this goal by developing and testing farming and land use practices that allow farmers to use their land economically and productively in an environmentally sound manner. Cropping and land management practices that are based on a scientific understanding of all hydrologic, erosion, and runoff processes involved are tested on plot, field, and watershed scales. By quantifying these systems, and generalizing the findings in models and prediction technology, the widest possible use and dissemination of new information is achieved. Therefore, Upland Erosion Research consists of three interrelated components: Processes, Prediction, and Control.

Mission:

The mission of the Upland Erosion Processes Research Unit of the National Sedimentation Laboratory is to improve the understanding of soil erosion and sediment transport processes, to develop more effective and economically feasible erosion control practices, and to improve erosion prediction methods for better conservation planning by: (a) researching basic erosion principles and processes; (b) determining sources and characteristics of eroded sediment; (c) determining soil properties/erodibility relationships and soil profile influences; (d) improving erosion control by developing improved conservation cropping systems and structural practices such as filter and field buffer strips, stiff-grass hedges, grassed waterways, subsurface drainage, and detention ponds; (e) quantifying infiltration/sealing/ponding processes; (f) determining concentrated flow erosion and head cut development and growth; and (g) researching the application of acoustic techniques to in-situ soil physical measurements.