Comparative study of erosion susceptibilities of three great soil groups in the Victoria reservoir area, using a rainfall simulator techniques

Abstract

The erodibility factor K (defined by the Universal soil Loss Equation) is a measure of the soil's susceptibility to erosion. The relative erodibility of 3 Great Soil Groups, namely, Reddish Brown Latosolic Soils, Immature Brown Loams Soils, and Red Yellow Podzolic Soils, in the Victoria catchment area, in Sri Lanka, was estimated using a rainfall simulator technique on micro plots. The relative erodibility of f The rate of run-off of IBL > RBL > RYP IBL) RBL>RYP Hence, IBL, the most predominant soil in the area, was the most susceptible to erosion hazards. A slight grass cover on the plots, drastically reduced the erosion hazard and the effect of grass -cov-er --on RBL> IBL > RYP. Clay had a more stabilizing effect in protecting the soils against erosion.