Rill erosion of a self-mulching black earth. II. Comparison of sediment transport equations

Abstract

Data obtained from a study of the effects of three tillage treatments on rill erosion of a self-mulching black earth were used to assess three sediment transport equations that are used, or suggested for use, in process-based models of soil erosion. The equations tested were those of M. S. Yalin, of C. T. Yang as developed by I. D. Moore and G. J. Burch, and a simplified equation reported by Yang. The three tillage treatments studied caused differences in rill flow that were reflected in Manning's n values ranging from 0.028 to 0.069 at the highest discharge. The two Yang equations gave better predictions of measured sediment concentrations than that of Yalin, with the simplified equation of Yang giving the least variable predictions. Both Yang equations appeared to be overly sensitive to variations in values of Manning's n coefficient.