ARS | Publication request: SOIL EROSION PROCESS RESEARCH: RECENT PROGRESSES AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON PREDICTION MODEL DEVELOPMENT

Submitted to: Brazilian Soil Science Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: July 12, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Soil erosion process research produces the knowledge and science used in the development of current process-based erosion prediction models. The USDA-ARS water erosion research program at West Lafayette, IN has been the national focal center in soil erosion process research and erosion prediction model development. This presentation will highlight past efforts in developing erosion process concepts that led to the development of the current process-based erosion prediction model, i.e., WEPP. Recent progresses include the development of a multiple-box system that can simulate hillslope hydrologic conditions. Laboratory procedures enable the quantification of surface hydrologic effects, i.e., seepage and drainage, on soil erosion process and sediment regime, flow hydraulics and sediment transport, and deposition processes. These recent findings improve the erosion science and provide new erosion control strategies that may have additional environmental benefits from the traditional erosion control practices. Impacts and future directions of the soil erosion process research and model development will be discussed.