Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Erosion caused by rainfall is a serious problem in many tropical countries, and much knowledge and many data are still missing. This applies particularly for Nicaragua where intensive rain during the rain period cause s serious problems like sheet, rill and gully erosion on large areas of cultivated land. It is possible to calculate the expected so il losses for an area with certain specific conditions by using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) elaborated by Wishmeier and Smith (1978). Unfortunately, USLE is not as universal as the name indicates. Many USLE tables and nomograms developed in USA are not applicable for the prevailing circumstances in Nicaragua. This is one of the reasons for a soil erosion experimental research station having been set up in Ticuantepe outside Managua, Nicaragua. At this station there are three different treatments which are duplicated i.e. totally six plots. The station was constructed in 1990 and includes equipment measuring precipitation and rain intensity. The soil erosion is, according to these results, of considerable size. Without doubt, there is a need of soil conservation in Nicaragua and knowledge of the 1arge variations in soi1 loss due to vegetation, topography, type of soil etc, would make it possible to use the existing resources in a more adequate way.