Environmental factors affecting splash erosion in the mountain area (the Western Polish Carpathians)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various environmental factors on splash erosion based on the funnel method under natural conditions. The relationship between splash and wash erosion were also studied. The intermediate timescale study (2012–2016, from May to October) was conducted in the Western Polish Carpathians where Inceptisols predominate. The splash erosion rate (kg m−2) was variable and showed a strong correlation with environmental factors, including rainfall parameters, land use (black fallow, meadow), slope gradient (0°, 11°), and also the particle size of soil and usage time (organic matter content, OM). The splash erosion rate on the slope with black fallow was 95 times higher than in the meadow and up to 20 times higher than in flat area. The average downslope splash erosion was 75% higher than the upslope splash erosion, and the soil particles were detached to maximum heights of 50 cm (downslope). There was a positive correlation between splash erosion and wash and a negative correlation between splash erosion and OM.