Impact of land use/cover change (LUCC) on sediment connectivity in small watersheds based on a revised index algorithm

• DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2023.116622
• Publication Date: 2023-08-01T10:13:31Z
• Authors: Qin Zhang; Wei Qin; Lin Ding; Wenhong Cao; Haichao Xu; Qi Liu; Chenyu Shi
• Keywords: Land Cover; WEPP

Soil erosion is an important cause of global land degradation and other ecological environmental problems. Revealing the influence mechanism use/cover change (LUCC) on sediment yield can provide a scientific basis for efficient comprehensive decision-making management watersheds. As indicator transport capacity, connectivity has been widely studied in recent years. However, existing index (IC) ignores upslope confluence corresponding changes downslope transport. Moreover, formula describing components does not establish effective correlation with soil formulas. Therefore, closely related to process reflect physical deposition. In addition, there have few reports concerning effect LUCC inside (on-site impact) outside (off-site changed patches. Consequently, by based addition revised parameters area (Ar) runoff velocity factor (v) delivery distributed (SEDD) model, improved (ICZQ) proposed. The results indicate that ICZQ significant linear relationship annual depth or modulus small watersheds within 100 km2 Loess Plateau, except feature years containing rainstorm events (daily rainfall exceeding 50 mm). capacity be characterized under change. 1982–2020, driven enhancement vegetation (forest grass), decreased 90% extremely level over 48% area. To better understand effects connectivity, we analyzed on-site off-site impacts remaining unchanged control variables. contribution rates caused Lvergou were 61% 39%, 52%, respectively, two typical periods (1985–1990 2015–2020). Due large proportion occupied change, impact cannot ignored, especially when associated scale relatively small. present study provides quantitative method optimization patterns, such as restoration along reference further revealing