| This study aims to improve our knowledge about the resistance of topsoils against erosion by concentrated flow in the Belgian Loess Belt. This should lead 1) to a better prediction of the spatial and temporal variations of topsoil resistance and the related soil loss as a function of land use, soil type and antecedent conditions and 2) to efficient soil erosion prevention. The following objectives will be pursued: 1.evaluation of the existing erosion resistance indices and comparison of the techniques to measure topsoil resistance and the controlling parameters. A literature review. 2. determination of spatial and temporal variations of topsoil resistance against erosion by concentrated flow in central Belgium. At different moments of the year, the soil s resistance of representative agricultural fields in the Belgian Loess Belt will be measured by subjecting undisturbed soil samples to concentrated flowing water in a hydraulic laboratory flume. 3. prediction of the soil s resistance against erosion by concentrated flow as a function of soil type, land use and initial soil moisture content. Various soil and environmental parameters will be measured contemporary with sample-taking. 4. Improvement of existing concentrated flow erosion models. Using the relations obtained in this study, erosion by concentrated flow will be modelled more accurately due to a better prediction of topsoil resistance. 5. Development of appropriate land use strategies to reduce soil erosion by concentrated flow. Simulations will be conducted to detect the influence of soil type, land use and initial moisture content on the intensity of erosion by concentrate flow in order to predict the best gully erosion controlling strategies for loess soils in central Belgium |
