Simulation of Runoff for Varying Mulch Coverage on a Sloped Surface

Abstract:

The use of thin plastic film to cover slope surfaces can lead to slope runoff and soil erosion in Loess hilly areas in northwest China. Three main factors (slope, rainfall intensity, and coverage ratio) were selected to analyze variations in runoff dynamics for a Lou soil surface and to obtain a theoretical foundation for practical application. The results indicate that for a fixed rainfall intensity and coverage ratio, a critical slope gradient close to 26.8% was observed. For a fixed coverage ratio and slope gradient, the cumulative runoff volume increased with the rainfall intensity. Overland flow varied with the coverage ratio and this can be attributed to increases in the cumulative runoff volume and runoff velocity with increasing coverage ratio. The experimental results show that for double-ridge cultivation with film mulching, the best coverage ratio is 50:150. This ratio not only reduces moisture evaporation and promotes soil conservation, but also effectively improves rainwater utilization and reduces soil erosion. In addition, for slope gradients exceeding 26.8%, runoff decreases and the soil infiltration capacity increases, so a slope gradient of 26.836.4% is optimal for the local cultivation model.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 409-410)
• Pages: 339-343
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.409-410.339
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Su Fang Cui, Ying Hua Pan, Quan Yuan Wu, Zhen Hua Zhang, Bao Xiang Zhang
• Keywords: Alternative Coverage Strategies, Mulch Coverage Ratio, Runoff

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