Coupling the probability of connectivity and RUSLE reveals pathways of sediment transport and soil loss rates for forest and reclaimed mine landscapes

Mahoney, David Tyler; Blandford, Benjamin L.; Fox, James F.

doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2021.125963

Cited by 21 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…Previous studies have highlighted the response of water and sediment transport processes to roads [9,13,14]. These studies confirmed that, due to the complex network structure characteristics of the road system itself and its direct or indirect impact on the surrounding landscape as a disturbance, roads can significantly change the sediment production process by changing the landscape pattern, land use, topographical features, and vegetation cover of a watershed [1,2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 54%

“…This indicates that the transmission distance of sediment-loaded runoff to the sink (stream) may be extended when the road is taken as the transmission pathways. This result is likely related to the spatial distribution (approximately parallel) of roads and streams [27,51,58], which cause the sediment-loaded runoff to be transported along the road after altering direction, and thus extending the pathway length prior to entering the sink (steam) [13]. However, on a larger scale such as the entire catchment, roads are an efficient transport pathway for sediment-loaded runoff, resulting in higher IC in a larger range (>90 m) farther from the road than that without considering the impact of roads.…”

Section: Sediment Connectivity In Response To Forest Roadsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Response of Sediment Connectivity to Altered Convergence Processes Induced by Forest Roads in Mountainous Watershed

et al. 2022

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Forest roads significantly affect sediment connectivity in mountainous catchments by contributing to the production of and disturbing the confluence of sediment-loaded runoff. This study considered forest roads as pathways and sinks of sediment-loaded runoff to understand the effects of forest roads on the confluence characteristics and sediment connectivity in mountainous a catchment using a scenario simulation. In order to determine the contribution and spatial relationship between sediment connectivity and influencing factors, this study utilized buffer analysis, an extremely randomized tree model, and multiscale geographically weighted regression. The results show that the presence of forest roads significantly changes the transport process and connectivity of runoff and sediment in the mountainous catchment. Specifically, flow length increases, but flow accumulation, upslope contributing area, and topographic index decrease with increasing distance from roads and streams. Meanwhile, the effects of roads on convergence characteristics and sediment connectivity are mainly manifested within a certain threshold that varies with different confluence characteristics. Moreover, sediment connectivity increases when considering roads as pathways and sinks of sediment-loaded runoff, especially on the upper hillslopes intercepted by roads and at the road–stream crossings. In addition, the closer the distance to the roads, the greater the impact of road on the confluence characteristics and sediment connectivity. Change in flow length is the most important factor affecting the sediment connectivity among all of the other convergence, terrain, and spatial distance characteristics. The longer the flow length, the lower the sediment connectivity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the altered confluence processes by roads increases the possibility that sediment-loaded runoff will be transported to the catchment outlet, which is of significance for the proper management of forest roads in mountainous catchments.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 54%

Section: Sediment Connectivity In Response To Forest Roadsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Response of Sediment Connectivity to Altered Convergence Processes Induced by Forest Roads in Mountainous Watershed

et al. 2022

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“…The results revealed that the RUSLE could approve the variation of soil loss between protected and non-protected regions, which conforms to the results of a previous study. In other words, selecting and using a suitable model such as RUSLE has been successful in estimating soil erosion, and the results can be used by decision-makers [52]. Applying the RUSLE to assess soil loss in rehabilitated mineral land and forest areas, the researchers found that the rate of soil loss in the restored mineral lands was higher than its amount in forest areas.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Effects of Conservation Measures on Soil Erosion in Arasbaran Forests Using RUSLE

Sasanifar,

Alijanpour,

Banj Shafiei

et al. 2023

Forests

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Vegetation cover is known as one of the most dominant parameters in soil erosion that can considerably affect soil erosion drivers. This study aimed to assess the effects of vegetation cover on soil conservation in Arasbaran Forests, Iran. A part of Arsbaran forests has been protected for 45 years. The other part has not been under protection during these years. This study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of forest protection management on the changes in the amount of soil erosion and compare it with the non-protection sector. To this end, 66 samples were grouped in the two selected elevation classes. Out of every three sample plots, one plot was randomly selected for collecting soil samples. Landsat 8 images and a Digital Elevation Model were utilized for sample collection via ENVI (Environment for Visualizing Images) and GIS (Geographic Information System), respectively. Then, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was employed to estimate the annual soil loss in the studied sites. The results showed the annual soil erosion of 9.84 and 10.06 tons per hectare/year for protected and non-protected areas, respectively. Moreover, the average annual soil erosion of 9.95 tons per hectare/year was calculated for the whole Arasbaran Forests. The results of the statistical test revealed no significant difference between protected and non-protected sites in terms of erosion rates (p > 0.05). Based on the findings, despite the non-significant and slightly lower soil loss per unit area in the protected site, there is a notable soil loss throughout the entire non-protected area. It appears necessary to conduct a thorough review of existing conservation laws and to closely monitor their effective implementation. This step is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of forest conservation management in mitigating soil erosion. The results show that absolute forest protection alone cannot make a big difference in preventing soil erosion. In this regard, there is a need to carry silviculture measures to manage protected forest stands to increase the sustainability of the forest. Obviously, in the case of proper management along with protection, it is possible to have a greater effect in preventing soil erosion.

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“…Empirical models rely on statistical relationships between erosion quantity or intensity and contributing factors. Notable empirical models include the Washington Road Surface Erosion Model (WARSEM) [60], Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) [22], Road Sediment Model (ROADMOD), Sediment Model (SEDMODL) [39], St. John's Sediment Budget Model (STJ-EROS) [2], and Road Erosion and Delivery Index (READI) [64]. The above models can be used to evaluate and predict soil erosion and sediment yield.…”

Section: Assessing Sediment Production Of Forest Road Erosionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, some researchers have synthesized the progress and achievements of forest road erosion research at different stages from various perspectives. For instance, Seutloali and Reinhard Beckedahl [20], Croke and Hairsine [21], and Mahoney et al [22] have reviewed sediment production and deposition processes in forest roads, along with the transport processes and pathways of eroded sediment. Fu et al [15] provided an overview of models used to estimate sediment production from forest unpaved roads and sediment transport to streams under various scenarios.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of the Sediment Production and Transport Processes of Forest Road Erosion

Yu,

Zhao,

et al. 2024

Forests

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Forest roads are a common land use feature with a significant impact on sediment yield and the water sediment transport processes within a watershed, seriously disrupting the safety and stability of the watershed. Previous studies have focused on the sediment production processes within the road prism. However, there has been limited attention given to the transport processes of road-eroded sediment at various scales, which is crucial for understanding the off-site effects of road erosion. This paper reviews research conducted on forest road erosion over the past two decades. It summarizes the mechanisms of sediment production from road erosion and provides a detailed analysis of the transport mechanisms of eroded sediments from roads to streams at the watershed scale. The paper also examines the ecological and hydrological effects, research methods, and control measures related to sediment transport caused by forest road erosion. It identifies current research limitations and outlines future research directions. The findings of this review highlight several key points: (1) Most research on forest road erosion tends to be specific and unilateral, often neglecting the broader interaction between roads and the watershed in terms of water–sediment dynamics. (2) Various research methods are employed in the study of forest road erosion, including field monitoring, artificial simulation experiments, and road erosion prediction models. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but the integration of emerging technologies like laser scanning and fingerprint recognition remains underutilized, hindering the simultaneous achievement of convenience and accuracy. (3) The transport processes of forest road-eroded sediment, particularly on road–stream slopes, are influenced by numerous factors, including terrain, soil, and vegetation. These processes exhibit significant spatial and temporal variability, and the precise quantification of sediment transport efficiency to the stream remains challenging due to a lack of long-term and stable investigation and monitoring methods. The establishment and operation of runoff plots and sedimentation basins may help offer a solution to this challenge. (4) Both biological and engineering measures have proven effective in reducing and limiting sediment erosion and transport. However, the costs and economic benefits associated with these regulation measures require further investigation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of relevant research on sediment erosion and transport processes on unpaved forest roads, enhancing our understanding of sediment yield in watersheds and offering valuable insights for reducing sediment production and transport to streams.

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Coupling the probability of connectivity and RUSLE reveals pathways of sediment transport and soil loss rates for forest and reclaimed mine landscapes

Cited by 21 publications

References 58 publications

Response of Sediment Connectivity to Altered Convergence Processes Induced by Forest Roads in Mountainous Watershed

Response of Sediment Connectivity to Altered Convergence Processes Induced by Forest Roads in Mountainous Watershed

Assessing the Effects of Conservation Measures on Soil Erosion in Arasbaran Forests Using RUSLE

A Review of the Sediment Production and Transport Processes of Forest Road Erosion

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