KWRRI Research Reports
Abstract
A soil erosion model, known as KYERMO, was developed for use in soil erosion research. The model was written in Microsoft FORTRAN, which is a subset of the ANSI FORTRAN 77 standard, allowing the model to be run on an IBM-PC as well as a mainframe computer. The model structure consisted of many interrelated subroutines which facilitated model development, testing, and future expansion.
A sensitivity analysis of the detachment component was performed, examining the number of rills, the number of space and time steps, and the detachment parameters. This analysis indicated that the model performed as expected for the detachment limiting case.
Field plots for the collection of justification data were designed and constructed on steep slopes (28 and 30.5 percent). Their surfaces were shaped to provide controlled rill patterns. Rainfall was applied through use of an irrigation nozzle rainfall simulator.
The field simulations included initial full plot (22.1 m) runs on unrilled surfaces with two and six rill watersheds, full plot runs on established surfaces, and half plot runs on established surfaces. Eight field simulations were conducted. Measured or sampled quantities included runoff rate, delivered sediment concentration, delivered sediment size distribution, rainfall intensity, soil moisture content, plot surface shape, and rill cross-sections.
Each of the field erosion events was simulated using KYERMO. Hydrologic parameters were fitted to provide the proper runoff characteristics to allow justification of the erosion component of the model. The detachment parameters were initially set using parameters and relationships from the literature. Prediction was comparable to that reported by other researchers. The detachment parameters were then fitted individually to gain insights about their effects. The resultant values were then considered in light of plot characteristics. These analyses indicated that a more complete knowledge of the rill bed particle size distribution could be used to increase accuracy and that soil structure changes due to tillage should be considered. The detachment rate was found to be the limiting factor rather than the sediment transport rate.
Publication Date
12-1985
Report Number
162
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/kwrri.rr.162
Funding Information
The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C., as authorized by the Water Research and Development Act of 1978, Public Law 95-467.
Repository Citation
Hirschi, Michael C.; Barfield, Billy J.; and Moore, Ian D., "Modeling Soil Erosion with Emphasis on Steep Slopes and the Rilling Process" (1985). KWRRI Research Reports. 1.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kwrri_reports/1
Notes/Citation Information
The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the United States Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C., nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute their endorsement or recommendation for use by the United States government.
This report expands upon the literature review and model development provided by Hirschi, Barfield, and Moore (1983). Model enhancements and corrections subsequent to that report were made prior to the analyses presented in this volume. Additionally, the work reported in this volume was presented as a portion of a dissertation presented to the University of Kentucky graduate school by the senior author as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Material from that dissertation was used extensively in the preparation of this report.