Off-site impacts of soil erosion and runoff: why connectivity is more important than erosion rates

Boardman, J., Vandaele, K., Evans, R. and Foster, I.D.L. (2019) Off-site impacts of soil erosion and runoff: why connectivity is more important than erosion rates. Soil Use and Management. 1475-2743.

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10596:23461

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Boardmanetal2019SUM
Boardmanetal2019SUM.pdf - Accepted Version
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Abstract:

Off‐site impacts of soil erosion are of greater social and economic concern in western Europe than on‐site impacts. They fall into two related categories: muddy flooding of properties and ecological impacts on watercourses due to excessive sedimentation and associated pollutants. Critical to these impacts is the connectedness of the runoff and sediment system between agricultural fields and the river system. We argue that well‐connected systems causing off‐site damage are not necessarily related to areas of high erosion rates; emphasis should therefore be on the way in which connections occur. In temperate, arable systems, important elements of connectivity are anthropogenic in origin: roads, tracks, sunken lanes, field drains, ditches, culverts and permeable field boundaries. Mapping these features allows us to understand how they affect runoff and modify its impacts, to design appropriate mitigation measures, and to better validate model predictions. Published maps (digital and paper) do not, by themselves, give sufficient information. Field mapping and observation aided by remote sensing, is also necessary.

Creators:

Boardman, J., Vandaele, K., Evans, R. and Foster, I.D.L.

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science

Date:

31 January 2019

Date Type:

Publication

Journal or Publication Title:

Soil Use and Management

Language:

English

DOI:

10.1111/sum.12496

ISSN:

1475-2743

Status:

Published / Disseminated

Refereed:

Yes