International Soil and Water Conservation Research
Volume 6, Issue 2, Pages 79-202 (June 2018)
Analysis of soil management and water conservation practices adoption among crop and pasture farmers in humid-south of the United States,
Pages 79-86,
Naveen Adusumilli, Hua Wang,
Assessing the soil erosion control efficiency of land management practices implemented through free community labor mobilization in Ethiopia,
Pages 87-98,
Tibebu Kassawmar, Gizaw Desta Gessesse, Gete Zeleke, Alemtsehay Subhatu,
Integrated universal soil loss equation (USLE) and Geographical Information System (GIS) for soil erosion estimation in A Sap basin: Central Vietnam,
Pages 99-110,
Tung Gia Pham, Jan Degener, Martin Kappas,
Estimation of soil erosion in a rain shadow river basin in the southern Western Ghats, India using RUSLE and transport limited sediment delivery function,
Pages 111-122,
Jobin Thomas, Sabu Joseph, K.P. Thrivikramji,
The effects of biological soil conservation practices and community perception toward these practices in the Lemo District of Southern Ethiopia,
Pages 123-130,
Tamrat Sinore, Endalikachew Kissi, Abebayehu Aticho,
Assessment of the SOILWAT model for predicting soil hydro-physical characteristics in three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria,
Pages 131-142,
OrevaOghene Aliku, Suarau O. Oshunsanya,
The mediating role of environmental emotions in transition from knowledge to sustainable use of groundwater resources in Iran's agriculture,
Pages 143-152,
Aliakbar Raeisi, Masoud Bijani, Mohammad Chizari,
Vegetated treatment area (VTAs) efficiencies for E. coli and nutrient removal on small-scale swine operations,
Pages 153-164,
Daren Harmel, Rehanon Pampell, Terry Gentry, Doug R. Smith, Chad Hajda, Kevin Wagner, Patti K. Smith, Rick L. Haney, Kori D. Higgs,
Modelling the impacts of structural conservation measures on sediment and water yield in Thika-Chania catchment, Kenya,
Pages 165-174,
John Ng’ang’a Gathagu, Joseph K. Sang, Caroline W. Maina,
Hydro-geomorphological characterization of Dhidhessa River Basin, Ethiopia,
Pages 175-183,
Gizachew Kabite, Berhan Gessesse,
Effects of type, level and time of sand and gravel mining on particle size distributions of suspended sediment,
Pages 184-193,
Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Sudabeh Gharemahmudli, Hossein Kheirfam, Abdulvahed Khaledi Darvishan, Mahboobeh Kiani Harchegani, Pari Saeidi, Leila Gholami, Mehdi Vafakhah,
Using Vetiver grass technology for mitigating sediment loads in the Talakhaya Watershed areas in Rota, CNMI,
Pages 194-201,
Mohammad H. Golabi, Sydonia Manibusan, Timothy Righetti, Dana Okano, Clancy Iyekar,
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Free full papers and open access are available at ScienceDirect : http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/20956339
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Naveen Adusumilli, Hua Wang,
Analysis of soil management and water conservation practices adoption among crop and pasture farmers in humid-south of the United States,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 79-86,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.12.005.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302824)
Abstract: Nutrient management, water quality protection, and irrigation efficiency top the list of on-farm resource concerns indicating a need to address them through conservation strategies. A suite of Best Management Practices (BMPs) has been identified and recommended, through several outlets, to farmers to ameliorate these concerns. This research examines the adoption of strategies that ameliorate the resource concerns as a joint decision, using a bivariate model. Data from the 2016 Nutrient Management Survey, conducted by the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, are used to examine the factors affecting adoption of these conservation practices. A bivariate probit regression found significant results for explanatory variables and emphasize the effect of perception regarding the role of on-farm practices, ownership of land, participation in conservation programs in the past, and producers educational attainment on the likelihood of adopting the conservation practices. Implications for policy development and educational programs are discussed.
Keywords: Conservation; Best management practices; Resource concerns; Adoption; Probit
Tibebu Kassawmar, Gizaw Desta Gessesse, Gete Zeleke, Alemtsehay Subhatu,
Assessing the soil erosion control efficiency of land management practices implemented through free community labor mobilization in Ethiopia,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 87-98,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.02.001.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302277)
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the influence of conservation practices (P) and cover management (C) on soil loss reduction by determining it at the scale of landscape units in 16 systematically selected watersheds. Focusing on major land management practices implemented through free community labor mobilization, the assessment combined remote sensing techniques, field observation, and expert as well as local knowledge. The results show an average net decrement of 39% ( ± 19%) in the P factor value and 8.9% ( ± 21%) in the C factor value after implementation of land management practices. P factor value reduction is linked to a high area coverage of level structures, while increases in the P factor value are associated with poor quality of structures, inappropriate practices, and wide spacing between structures on steep slopes. C factor value reduction is observed in non-arable shrub- and bushland with enriched area closure, whereas increased C factor values are associated with open access grasslands and untreated croplands. The overall change in P and C factor values resulted in a 42% ( ± 28%) relative soil loss reduction. The demonstrated approach makes it possible to assess spatial and temporal dynamics in the P and C erosion factors and to estimate spatially disaggregated changes in the P and C factor values. This can help to improve parameterization of inputs for erosion modelling and to assess their relative soil loss effect. The approach provides valuable feedback on watershed planning processes and supports informed decisions regarding the appropriate selection of land management practices.
Keywords: Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE); P and C factors; Soil loss reduction; Soil and water conservation (SWC); Land use and land cover change
Tung Gia Pham, Jan Degener, Martin Kappas,
Integrated universal soil loss equation (USLE) and Geographical Information System (GIS) for soil erosion estimation in A Sap basin: Central Vietnam,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 99-110,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.01.001.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302162)
Abstract: Central Vietnam is very susceptible to soil erosion due to its complicated terrain and heavy rainfall. The objective of this study was to quantify soil erosion in the A Sap river basin, A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Geographical Information System (GIS). The results showed that 34% of land area lost accumulated to 10tha−1year−1 while 47% of the total area lost less than 1tha−1year−1. Natural forest land lost the most with an average of about 19tha−1year−1, followed by plantation forest with approximately 7tha−1year−1 and other agricultural lands at 3.70 and 1.45tha−1year−1 for yearly crops and paddy rice, respectively. Soil erosion was most sensitive to the topographic factor (LS), followed by the practice support factor (P), soil erodibility factor (K), cropping management (C), and the rainfall erosivity factor (R). Implications are that changes to the cultivated calendar and implementing intercropping are effective ways to prevent soil erosion in cultivated lands. Furthermore, introducing broad leaves trees for mountainous areas in A Sap basin was the most effective practice in reducing soil erosion. The study also pointed out that the combination of available data sources used with the USLE and GIS technology is a viable option to calculate soil erosion in Central Vietnam, which would allow targeted attention toward a solution is to reduce future soil erosion.
Keywords: Central Vietnam; GIS; Soil erosion; USLE
Jobin Thomas, Sabu Joseph, K.P. Thrivikramji,
Estimation of soil erosion in a rain shadow river basin in the southern Western Ghats, India using RUSLE and transport limited sediment delivery function,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 111-122,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.12.001.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917301338)
Abstract: Soil erosion and deposition in a tropical mountainous river basin, viz., Pambar River Basin (PRB), in a rain shadow region of the southern Western Ghats (India) were modelled using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and transport limited sediment delivery (TLSD) function in GIS. Mean gross soil erosion in the basin is 11.70 t ha−1 yr−1, and is comparable with the results of previous soil erosion studies from the region. However, mean net soil erosion from the basin is 2.92 t ha−1 yr−1 only, which is roughly 25% of the gross soil erosion. Although natural vegetation belts show relatively higher gross- and net-soil erosion rates (mainly due to high LS and C factors), their sediment transport efficiency is remarkably less, compared to the land use/ land cover types with anthropogenic signatures (i.e., plantations and croplands). Despite the lesser amount of annual rainfall, the high rates of soil loss from the semi-arid areas of the basin might be the result of the poor protective vegetation cover as well as isolated high intensity rainfall events. The study highlights the significance of climate-specific plans for soil erosion management and conservation of the soil resources of the basins developed in rain shadow regions.
Keywords: Soil erosion; RUSLE; Transport limited sediment delivery; Rain shadow region; Pambar River Basin; Western Ghats
Tamrat Sinore, Endalikachew Kissi, Abebayehu Aticho,
The effects of biological soil conservation practices and community perception toward these practices in the Lemo District of Southern Ethiopia,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 123-130,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.01.004.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917300060)
Abstract: Land degradation is the critical ecological and agricultural challenges in Ethiopia. To combat this, the government and local farmers’ have undertaken soil and water conservation measures (physical, biological and integrated) across the country since 1970's. This study investigate effect of elephant grass (P. purpureum) and sesbania sesban (S. sesban) used as biological land rehabilitation practices on soil properties and farmers’ perception on the practices. Composite soil samples (0–30 cm) were randomly collected from lands treated with sesbania, elephant grass, and adjacent degraded grazing land, and a structured questionnaire was used to assess farmers’ perceptions. Statistical results showed that elephant grass and sesbania were significantly (P < .05) improves degraded land soil bulk density, pH, CEC, OC, TN, Av.P, K, Na, Ca, Mg and clay characteristics. Moreover, there was a significant (P < .05) difference between farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of physical, biological and integration of the two practices to control soil erosion. 48% of the farmers perceived that using both biological methods and the integration of biological with physical structures was more successful for controlling erosion and improving soil fertility. Logistic regression analysis revealed strong association (R2 = 0.84) between farmers’ perception on elephant grass and sesbanias' roles in soil conservation and groups of explanatory variables. Among the variables age, education and extension service significantly (P < .05) influenced farmers’ perception on the practices. Generally, elephant grass and sesbania are effective biological practices for rehabilitating lands and improving soil properties through minimizing erosion.
Keywords: Soil erosion; Soil and water conservation; Biological soil conservation; Sesbania; Elephant grass
OrevaOghene Aliku, Suarau O. Oshunsanya,
Assessment of the SOILWAT model for predicting soil hydro-physical characteristics in three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 131-142,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.01.003.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917300539)
Abstract: Soil hydro-physical characteristics influence soil nutrients availability and consequently affect crop performance. However, field determination of these properties for effective management of water for irrigation is laborious, time consuming and expensive. Hence, this study was initiated to assess the performance of the SOILWAT model for the estimation of soil hydro-physical properties. A total of 180 disturbed and 120 undisturbed soil samples were collected from three agro-ecological zones (Savannah, Derived savannah and rainforest) in Nigeria. The samples were analyze for hydro-physical and chemical properties. Soil texture and salinity data were varied in the SOILWAT model (Version 6.1.52) to predict soil physical properties for the three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria, respectively. Measured and predicted values of field capacity, permanent wilting point and soil available water were compared using T-test at α.05. The prediction of soil textural class using the SOILWAT model was sufficiently accurate for the three agro-ecological zones. However, bulk density, maximum water holding capacity, permanent wilting point and soil available water showed significant (p < .05) differences between measured and predicted values, and there were positive relationships between SOILWAT values and the observed values. Thus, the SOILWAT model could be adopted for predicting soil texture and permanent wilting point for savannah, derived savannah and rainforest zones of Nigeria. Also, the inclusion of organic matter input, silt adjustment and addition of salinity in the various moisture characteristics relationships and equations could enhance its performance.
Keywords: Field capacity; Permanent wilting point; Soil available water; Soil texture; SOILWAT model
Aliakbar Raeisi, Masoud Bijani, Mohammad Chizari,
The mediating role of environmental emotions in transition from knowledge to sustainable use of groundwater resources in Iran's agriculture,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 143-152,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.01.002.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302575)
Abstract: The excessive use of groundwater resources has created numerous environmental consequences in Iran. Many water experts believe that this crisis can be overcome by fostering sustainable environmental behavior in the utilization of groundwater resources and increasing the farmers' environmental knowledge, attitude and emotions. The objective of this study was to investigate transformation of environmental knowledge to sustainable use of groundwater resources through the analysis of the mediating role of environmental emotions in Iran's agriculture. This research was carried out via a survey technique within the category of descriptive-correlation and causal-relational research. All the wheat producing farmers of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which is a clear example of critical conditions for groundwater resources in Iran (N=168,873), constituted the statistical population of the study of whom 384 participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The research instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of professionals in agricultural extension, education and water management. The reliability of the items of the questionnaire was also evaluated via a pilot study and Cronbach's alpha (0.70≤α≤0.84). The results of the causal analysis indicated that environmental knowledge (β=0.309) and environmental emotions (β=0.565) have the significant influence on sustainable environmental behavior in the utilization of groundwater among wheat farmers. Therefore, it can be said environmental emotions is an important mediating factor for potentially improving water stakeholders' sustainable environmental behavior.
Keywords: Sustainable environmental behavior (SEB); Groundwater; Environmental knowledge (EK); Environmental emotions (EE); Causal analysis
R. Daren Harmel, Rehanon Pampell, Terry Gentry, Doug R. Smith, Chad Hajda, Kevin Wagner, Patti K. Smith, Rick L. Haney, Kori D. Higgs,
Vegetated treatment area (VTAs) efficiencies for E. coli and nutrient removal on small-scale swine operations,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 153-164,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.02.002.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302654)
Abstract: As small-scale animal feeding operations work to manage their byproducts and avoid regulation, they need practical, cost-effective methods to reduce environmental impact. One such option is using vegetative treatment areas (VTAs) with perennial grasses to treat runoff; however, research is limited on VTA effectiveness as a waste management alternative for smaller operations. This study evaluated the efficiencies of VTAs in reducing bacteria and nutrient runoff from small-scale swine operations in three counties in Central Texas. Based on 4 yr of runoff data, the Bell and Brazos VTAs significantly reduced loads and concentrations of E. coli and nutrients (except NO3-N) and had treatment efficiencies of 73–94%. Most notably, the Bell VTA reduced loads of E. coli, NH4-N, PO4-P, total N, and total P similar to that of the background (control). In spite of significant reductions, runoff from the Brazos VTA had higher concentrations and loads than the control site, especially following installation of concrete pens and increased pen washing, which produced standing water and increased E. coli and nutrient influx. The Robertson VTA produced fewer significant reductions and had lower treatment efficiencies (29–69%); however, E. coli and nutrient concentrations and loads leaving this VTA were much lower than observed at the Bell and Brazos County sites due to alternative solids management and enclosed pens. Based on these results and previous research, VTAs can be practical, effective waste management alternatives for reducing nutrient and bacteria losses from small-scale animal operations, but only if properly designed and managed.
Keywords: Bacteria; Nutrients; Swine manure; Waste management; Water quality
John Ng’ang’a Gathagu, Joseph K. Sang, Caroline W. Maina,
Modelling the impacts of structural conservation measures on sediment and water yield in Thika-Chania catchment, Kenya,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 165-174,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.12.007.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302459)
Abstract: Recently, there has been a growing need to implement soil and water conservation measures in order to control sediment and water yield from agricultural areas. The objective of this study was to use a modeling approach to evaluate the impacts of structural conservation measures on water and sediment yield from Thika Chania catchment in Central Kenya. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated for stream flow and sediment yield at a gauging station in the catchment. The calibrated model was run to create a base scenario for the simulation of structural conservation methods, i.e. terraces and grassed waterways. Model simulation results indicated that terraces and grassed waterways would significantly impact water and sediment yield at the catchment outlet. Terraces were found to provide the greatest reduction in sediment yield, by 81% from the baseline scenario, while grassed waterways reduced sediment yield by 54%. Terraces indicated a reduction in surface runoff by 30% from the base annual average value of 202 mm. This was attributed to the increased infiltration that was indicated by increase in base flow by 8%. However, grassed waterways did not indicate any significant reduction in water yield. The results of this study show that structural conservation measures could reduce sediment yield from cultivated areas by more than 50% at the sub catchment level. Results also indicated that the effectiveness of structural conservation measures can be increased by implementing more than one method. Structural conservation measures studied in the current study were found to have a positive impact in controlling water and sediment yield in the catchment. However, further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing them at a small scale.
Keywords: Terraces; Grassed waterways; SWAT; Conservation measures; Sediment yield
Gizachew Kabite, Berhan Gessesse,
Hydro-geomorphological characterization of Dhidhessa River Basin, Ethiopia,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 175-183,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.02.003.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302496)
Abstract: Dhidhessa River Basin is physio-graphically and hydrologically important in the Blue Nile basin, however, its morphometry and hydrology are not well known. This study aimed to characterize hydro-geomorphology of the basin via basin morphometry analysis. SRTM DEM, geological and hydrological maps of the area were used in ArcGIS 10.3 environment for this analysis. Results showed that a 33,468 km total stream length of all orders was found distributed within 28,637 km2 drainage area in a dendritic pattern. According to morphometric parameter classification, total stream length and stream order of the basin were high whereas stream length ratio, bifurcation ratio and hydrologic storage coefficient were low. Furthermore, drainage area was large, drainage frequency was coarse, basin shape was more elongated, drainage density was medium, infiltration number was low, overland flow was long and constant of channel maintenance was high. Moreover, the basin's relief, relief ratio, ruggedness number, gradient ratio and the slope was high. In general, the study asserted that the basin was underlain by uniform resistant rocks, less prone to flooding, with high water resources potential and susceptible to soil erosion. The morphometric analysis approach pursued in this study was cost- and time-effective for basin characterization.
Keywords: Dhidhessa River Basin; Hydro-geomorphology; Hydrological processes; Morphometric parameters; Water resource potential
Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Sudabeh Gharemahmudli, Hossein Kheirfam, Abdulvahed Khaledi Darvishan, Mahboobeh Kiani Harchegani, Pari Saeidi, Leila Gholami, Mehdi Vafakhah,
Effects of type, level and time of sand and gravel mining on particle size distributions of suspended sediment,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 184-193,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.01.005.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917302563)
Abstract: Monitoring the sediment transport behavior induced by different interventions, particularly sand mining from rivers, is needed to adaptively manage the watersheds. The particle size distribution of the suspended sediment in up and downstream of rivers is one of the main indicators to know about fate of sediments, which may be varied in different conditions. We investigated the effect of some types of sand and gravel (i.e., manual and low, semi-heavy, and heavy machinery) mining on particle size distribution of suspended sediment in the Vaz-e-Owlya, Vaz-e-Sofla and Alesh-Roud riverine mines located in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. The study was conducted on a monthly basis from February, 2012 to January, 2013. Laser granulometry was used to analyze the particle size distribution of suspended sediment samples taken from up and downstream sections of the study mines. The results revealed that the level and intensity of mining activity affected particle size distribution of suspended sediments. Further statistical assessments in up and downstream sections of the mines proved that sorting, D50, mean, D90, kurtosis, skewness and D10 of the suspended sediment were not significantly influenced by mining activities at levels of 0.09, 0.11, 0.12, 0.15 to 0.69, 0.15–0.69, 0.77, 0.87, 0.97, respectively. While it was not statistically significant, we found that the type of mine and the level of the exploitation changed the particle size distribution of the suspended sediment.
Keywords: Mine exploitation; Particle size distribution; Sediment granulometry; Sediment temporal variations
Mohammad H. Golabi, Sydonia Manibusan, Timothy Righetti, Dana Okano, Clancy Iyekar,
Using Vetiver grass technology for mitigating sediment loads in the Talakhaya Watershed areas in Rota, CNMI,
International Soil and Water Conservation Research,
Volume 6, Issue 2,
2018,
Pages 194-201,
ISSN 2095-6339,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.03.001.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633917303027)
Abstract: Talakhaya watershed in Rota is identified as a Coral Reef Management Priority site for CNMI (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands). In 2010 federal and jurisdictional partners developed a Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for the Talakhaya Watershed. The goal of this initial Watershed Soil Loss Assessment therefore, was to assist in evaluating the re-vegetation objectives of ‘Mitigating Sediment Load’ in the Talakhaya watershed by making a thorough characterization of its main river systems. The objectives of this project were to reach those goals by measuring the hydrological parameters following the installation and the use of water meters, barometric level loggers, turbidity meters and rain gauges. The water flow as well as the turbidity level of each stream leading to the ocean from the Talakhaya Watershed was measured and sedimentation level was assessed accordingly. The results from the monitoring of the watershed conducted during the project timeline reported here show that all four rivers under study have statistically different stage-discharge curves. The river's relationship between time and turbidity also vary especially in the summer months of the first-year observations. Linear and convex polynomial relationships were sometimes observed in the different rainfall groupings for the four river systems, however relationships were often not significant. This-being-said, Quantile Regressions suggest that when data from all four river systems are combined for cases where there is some detectable rainfall, a maximum possible turbidity level can be defined.
Keywords: Watershed Management; Vetiver grass system; Coral; Badlands; Micronesia; Rota;
