The effect of dry aggregation and percentage clay on sediment flux as measured by a portable field wind tunnel

Abstract

The effect of dry aggregation levels >0.85 mm and the percentage clay content of 9 soils from south-western New South Wales on erosion rate is evaluated using a portable field wind tunnel. Standard soil preparations and wind velocities are used based on conventions established in the North American wind erosion literature. For the prediction of erosion rate on both cultivated and uncultivated soils, 2 highly significant empirical relationships for percentage soil clay content and percentage mass dry aggregation >0.85 mm are presented. These spatial and temporal variations in erosion rates have significance for our understanding of soil erodibility. The concept of erodibility continuum is introduced.