ARS | Publication request: SOIL EROSION PROCESS RESEARCH: RECENT PROGRESSES AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON FUTURE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Submitted to: Proceedings Brazilian Soil Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
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 model. 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 some past accomplishments from this research program, e.g., development of USLE, rainfall simulation technology, soil erodibility monograph, crop residue cover factor, sediment detachment-transport and rill-interrill process concepts, and the initiation of the process-based prediction model development. Recent research progresses include 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, soil amendments and erosion control. 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 will be discussed.