The effect of kinetic energy of excess rainfall on soil loss from non-vegetated plots

Abstract

Data obtained from three 0.01 ha runoff and soil-loss plots, established with a bare fallow treatment on a yellow podzolic (Albaqualf) soil and slope gradient of 4.2%, were analysed in terms of the kinetic energy of raindrops and the efficiency of the use of that energy in generating soil loss. The results indicate that the difference between rainfall intensity and the average infiltration (acceptance) rate of the soil during an event can be used to estimate variations in the efficiency of use of rainfall energy in generating sheet erosion.