Rainfall patterns associated with runoff and erosion levels in West-Siberian Chernozems

The aim of the study was to identify 1) main regularities surface runoff formation due downpours and 2) extent erosion process on arable chernozems in areas with dissected relief sharply continental climate. influence rainfall patterns soil physical factors studied three large geomorphological regions South-East West Siberia. Field observations were carried out during 1968–1979 Kuznetsk Depression 1984–1986 Near-Ob areas, from 1995 until present Near-Salair area. data meteorological stations analyzed for same years, including inter-year variability downpour recordings. Summer precipitation its intensity measured by using hydrograph unit. Water infiltration field method small flooded (Nesterov’s method), when square or round frames an area 2500 (external) 625 cm2 (internal) installed surface. To simplify automate water supply, PVN-00 device used, consisting two hermetically sealed tanks, cylindrical different diameters a tripod. processes studied. As regards climatic historical patterns, interannual Experimental infiltration, loss discussed soils units: Greyzemic Phaeozems (Siltic), Luvic Chernozems (Siltic) Haplic variable content organic matter levels. characterized prevalence warm growing season sporadic cyclical patterns. Heavy rains found cause significant damage agricultural land only locally, early spring, is not protected vegetation. greatest hazard represented meltwater, total amount, but also snow thawing rate. decrease rates extensive farming factor degradation most fertile Soil vulnerability shown range: > (no storm damage).