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Assessing the Efficiency of Two Silvicultural Approaches for Soil Erosion Mitigation Using a Novel Monitoring Apparatus

Authors :
Pietro Salvaneschi
Antonio Pica
Ciro Apollonio
Teodoro Andrisano
Massimo Pecci
Andrea Petroselli
Bartolomeo Schirone
Source :
Land, Vol 13, Iss 8, p 1321 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Soil erosion and hydrogeological risk are critical phenomena gaining increased recognition within the scientific community. Although these occurrences are naturally occurring, human activities can exacerbate their impacts. For example, deforestation consistently amplifies soil erosion. This study examines two distinct forest management strategies aimed at addressing soil erosion: the Banded Standards Method (BSM) and the Scattered Standards Method (SSM). We conducted a field experiment in two test areas located in central Italy, with one area employing the BSM and the other implementing the SSM. Two soil erosion plots were established, representing prototypes of a novel erosion monitoring apparatus called the Natural Erosion Trap (NET), or Diabrosimeter, specifically designed for forest environments. At regular intervals, particularly after significant storm events, sediment and leaf litter accumulated within the erosion plots were collected, dried, and weighed to quantify erosion rates and assess the efficacy of the silvicultural methods under investigation. The results revealed a 30.72% reduction in the eroded material with BSM compared to SSM, underscoring BSM’s ability to mitigate potential hazards and preserve environmental integrity.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2073445X
Volume :
13
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Land
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2a1845b6a02d45b89b2b2200ef0c2bbc
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081321