SEASONAL SOIL ERODIBILITY VARIATION IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

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Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the potential seasonal variation in soil erodibility (K) for selected soils of southwestern Ontario. Field-plot data, laboratory flume/rainfall-simulator studies, and a K-factor prediction equation were used to assess the potential magnitude of the seasonal variation of soil erodibility. Field-plot studies for a Guelph loam soil revealed that values were highest in the winter-spring thaw period (March) with a ratio of K seasonal to K annual (Kc) of 10. Laboratory flume and rainfall simulations with Fox sand, Haldimand silty clay, and Colwood silt loam soils were conducted with soil moisture and internal drainage varied to simulate seasonal conditions. The results corresponded with those observed in the field study, with highest K values occurring under simulated winter-spring thaw conditions (values of Kc =.4 – 4.0) and lowest values under simulated summer conditions (Kc < 1). Seasonal K values were computed with a prediction equation for 17 soil textural classes. Soil structure and permeability parameters of the prediction equation were modified to reflect seasonal variability in these properties. The predicted Kc values were highest for the winter-spring thaw period and approximately equal for the spring and summer periods. Results indicate that soil erodibility varies significantly with seasonal soil conditions and the magnitude of seasonal differences changes with soil textures. Key words: Soil erodibility, field-plot erosion data, rainfall simulation, runoff flume
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