Rangeland experiments to parameterize the water erosion prediction project model: vegetation canopy cover effects

Abstract

The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) is a new water erosion prediction technology being developed by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service to replace the Universal Soil Loss Equation. Rangeland field experiments were designed to parameterize the WEPP rangeland erosion model. Included in the field experiments were plot treatments designed to separate direct from indirect effects of vegetation canopy on runoff and soil erosion. Nine rangeland sites from a wide range of soil and vegetation types were evaluated using rainfall simulation techniques. Natural versus clipped treatment surface characteristics and runoff and erosion responses were compared using regression analyses. These analyses showed that there were no significant differences between natural and clipped plot surface characteristics, runoff ratios, final infiltration rates, or initial rainfall abstractions. Erosion rates were different between treatments with the clipped plots having slightly less erosion than the natural plots. Results indicated that, under the rainfall conditions simulated, canopy cover was not directly contributing to initial abstractions through rainfall interception loss or significantly affecting runoff or erosion.