Rill Erosion Morphometry in the Experimental Plots

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Department of Watershed Management Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University

2 PhD student in Watershed Science and Engineering, Department of Watershed Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Tarbiat Modares University,

3 Department of Mine and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract

Background and objectives: Rill erosion is one of the most critical water erosion processes due to flow concentration and is a source of runoff and sediment yield on the slope, leading to reduced soil fertility and threatened food security. Therefore, the rill development process is essential for managing soil and water resources. However, its process and morphometry have yet to be sufficiently considered. In this regard, the present study was planned to investigate rill morphometry in experimental plots under laboratory conditions. The entire study was conducted in the Rainfall Simulation and Soil Erosion Laboratory, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran.
Materials and methods: For this purpose, a rainfall of 50 mm h-1 and a duration of 30 with an extra runoff of 2 L min-1 was used on the erosion-prone soil of the Marzanabad Region, West Mazandaran, Iran, in three experimental plots was simulated to measure runoff generation and soil loss. The rill morphological components, viz. rilling time, length, width, depth, and density, were then measured after simulating experiments. An ordinary tape meter and a ruler were used for measuring the morphometric components of the rills formed in the study plots.
Results: The results showed that runoff generation rates in the three studied plots were 21.59, 18.63, and 14.33 L m-2. The soil loss in the experimental plots was also recorded as 9622, 2665, and 3117 g L-2. Also, the number of rills formed in the studied plots was 4, 3, and 4, respectively, with a total length of 7.41, 7.04, and 11.8 m, and rill density is 1.24, 1.17, and 1.35 m m-2 in the studied plots. It was further found that the mean width of the rills formed in the study plots was 6.8±3.5, 3.5±2.0, and 7.2±2.7 cm, respectively, and the mean depth of the rills was 6.7±1.0, 3.0±1.0 and 3.9±2.0 cm, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the present research, while emphasizing the necessity of studying different rill erosion processes, showed that the sediment transport energy in the experimental plots increased after concentrating flow, causing initial, active, and sedimentation stages. In other words, the rills formed with a dual role as a source for soil loss and a place of sedimentation. The present research results, while confirming the variability of study components of study rills in experimental plots, emphasized the necessity of taking preventive measures and curbing rill erosion in sensitive areas in the initial stages.

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References

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Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production
Volume 14, Issue 4
March 2025
Pages 131-144

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