A new approach for the reduction of soil erosion in forest environments
Author(s)
Salvaneschi, Pietro
Date Issued
July 29, 2024
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
This PhD project had, as its main objective, the comprehension of the dynamics involved in the formation of soil erosion after logging. To reach this goal we created a new sylvicultural model, called Banded Standards Method (BSM), to be used in hilly coppice forest, aimed to the reduction of soil erosion after cuts. To test the validity of this model we first tested the model theoretically, then we tested the model on field, by comparing the BSM method with the Italian traditional coppice standard arrangement, the Scattered Standards Method (SSM). To collect the sediment created by the soil erosion we created a prototype of a new soil erosion plot, that we called Natural Erosion Trap (NET), created with the aim to be utilized in forests and more in general in natural environments. Both theoretically and on field experiment suggested that our method decreased soil erosion after logging, in particular with regards to the gravels and rocks. We also studied deeply the USLE and RUSLE model to understand which formulas were better to use in central Italy. We discovered that the R factor of the USLE and RUSLE models affect the final result. We so evaluate the R factor equations that fit better in the internal part of central Italy. We found out three equation and we used them to evaluate the soil erosion by using the RUSLE model in the study area where the field experiment was carried out. Also, the RUSLE model created for the study area showed a reduction of the soil erosion in the BSM plot, even the results were very different with the experimental campaign.
Additional information
Dottorato in Ecologia e Gestione Sostenibile delle Risorse Ambientali
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