CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Chow, T.L.; Daigle, J.L.; Ghanem, L.; and Cormier, H.
Date : 1990
Title : Effects of potato cropping practices on water runoff and soil erosion
Publication : Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Issue : 70(2):
Page(s) : 137-148
Abstract
Accelerated soil erosion by water is the most severe and widespread soil degradation problem in the Maritime provinces of Canada. It constitutes a serious potential problem on most agricultural lands if they are planted by row crops. Using runoff-erosion plots (10 m wide x 30 m long), the effects of cropping practices on surface runoff and soil loss were examined on a Hommesville gravelly loam soil to evaluate the applicability of the Universal Soil Loss Equation in New Brunswick, Canada. The amount of water runoff and soil loss from continuous fallow, up-and-down slope planting of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), and clover (Trifolium pratense) on 8 and 11% slopes were measured from 1983 to 1985. In addition, runoff and soil loss from contour planting of potatoes were measured on the 11% slope. Slope planting of potatoes resulted in higher runoff and soil loss than on fallow plots. There was considerable reduction in runoff and soil loss when potatoes were planted along the contour. Runoff and soil loss under clover were negligible. Rainfall erosion index and slope length and steepness correlated well with the measured soil losses. However, both the measured soil erodibility factor and the cover and management factor deviated markedly from the current values used for conservation planning.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology