Information

Factors in conservation farming that reduce erosion (Rain simulation)

Level 1 General description

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the erodibility of traditional and conservation farming systems on a gentle slope and the critical cover level that should be retained annually to control erosion and reduce nutrient loss during rainfall.

Methods (brief)

Rainfall simulation studies were conducted on continuous cropping plots with four land management treatments.  Measurements of infiltration capacity, soil detachment rate, and erosion were taken in summer, autumn, winter, and spring in 1989-90.

Key findings (brief)

The most consistent reduction in runoff and soil and nutrient loss with simulated rain was found in the no tillage treatments with high stubble retention.

Mean runoff as a percentage of applied rain ranged from 26 to 60% for April 1989 and August 1990 respectively for 0.5 t/ha/year stubble and 5 to 35% for 5.0 t/ha/year stubble treatments. 

Mean soil loss ranged from 0.52 to 1.1 t/ha for 0.5 t/ha/year stubble and 0.03 to 0.8 t/ha for 5.0 t/ha/year stubble treatments. 

Location

Tarlee, South Australia - 34o17’S, 130o46’E.

Related studies

NA

 

Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5