Influence of Soil Wetting and Drying Cycles on Soil Detachment

Agricultural soils undergo periods of saturation followed by desiccation throughout the course a growing season. It is believed that these wetting and drying influence soil structure may affect rate detachment. Thus, an experiment was conducted to investigate disturbed (soil sieved simulate tillage) subjected various cycles, on bulk density resistance detachment with runoff. Seven treatments consisting cycles ranging from 0 6 were evaluated under laboratory conditions using experimental flume apparatus. A Richards growth model proposed for predicting also evaluated. Results showed increased as number increased. The decreased Moreover, initial (occurring soon runoff began) rates high 1 3 while after third cycle. For example, two three took 6.5 7 min reach maximum cm souring depth, respectively, four or more did not depth during 15 experiment. In addition, S-Shaped good predictor estimating experiencing cycles. Findings this study suggest attention should be given have prediction Information expected useful improving management strategies reducing erosion.