IJCRR - 3(10), October, 2011
Pages: 143-161
PREDICTING SOIL EROSION BY WATER AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN THE LATERITIC AREAS OF
WESTERN RAMPURHAT I BLOCK (BIRBHUM, WEST BENGAL)
Author: Sandipan Ghosh, Tapas Duloi
Category: General Sciences
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Abstract:
Environmental geography and environmental geomorphology severally emphasize that unless loss of soil
is checked, it would amount to a great loss for mankind. Present investigation was conducted to assess the
present status of soil loss and sediment yield in the selected adjoining lateritic areas (Cainozoic upland of
laterites) of Rampurhat I block, Birbhum district (West Bengal) and Shikaripara block, Dumka district
(Jharkhand). The field study revealed that different forms of water erosion are operated there in varying
magnitude. In particular rainsplash erosion, sheet and inter-rill erosion (overland flow), rill and gully
erosion are considered here as major forms of water erosion. The soil series of Bhatina, Raspur,
Jhinjharpur and Maldiha are shallow, light-textured and gravelly with very low moisture retention
capacity, low pH and low amount of clay and organic matter. These soils (remained under barren waste
land with sparse bushy vegetation) are susceptible to moderate-severe rain-splash, rill and gully erosion,
and should be kept under thick vegetative cover and afforestation. To understand and prevent the soil
erosion at first we should make some precise quantitative estimation of soil loss. In order that, taking
small catchments and slope facets as ideal geomorphic unit, the present study is centrally focused on the
charteristics of lateritic soil, the empirical quantification of soil loss and implementation of low-cost soil
conservation measures.
Keywords: Laterites; rain-splash detachment; rill erosion; inter-rill erosion; USLE and soil conservation
Citation:
Sandipan Ghosh, Tapas Duloi. PREDICTING SOIL EROSION BY WATER AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN THE LATERITIC AREAS OF
WESTERN RAMPURHAT I BLOCK (BIRBHUM, WEST BENGAL) International Journal of Current Research and Review. 3(10), October, 143-161
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