Effect of initial clod size on characteristics of splash and wash erosion

Abstract

Wash erosion increased as initial clod size increased from 0.5–2 mm to 8–30 mm on a Marshall silty clay loam except in the case of clods from continuous bromegrass (Bromus inermis). Wash losses increased as size increased despite a drop in runoff from the 8–30-mm clods. Final splash loss rates were higher from the 8–30-mm than from the smaller size clods from continuous corn (Zea mays). Splashed material was larger than washed material and both were larger than material forming the seal.