Assessment of soil erosion trough the use of 137 Cs at Jaslovske Bohunice, Western Slovakia

The intention of this study is to provide a well-representative set of data on long term erosion rate in pilot area representing the loess hillylands of Slovakia. For this purpose, the 137Cs-method is most appropriate. Pilot area was chosen nearby the Jaslovske Bohunice village, Western Slovakia. The sampling strategy was based on a multiple transect approach. The analyzing was performed at Nuclear Power Plant Research Institute, Jaslov s ke Bohunice. The obtained data were interpreted using several calibration models expressing the relation of 137Cs activity to soil erosion-accumulation rate. The proportional model, the simplified mass balance model and the standard mass balance model developed at Exeter University, Great Britain, were tested. The highest values are provided by simplified mass balance model. The proportional model gives somewhat lower values. Considerably lower values were calculated by standard mass balance model. The most realistic are the values given by the last model, as this model uses the most comprehensive set of input parameters. The erosion rates calculated by this model range up to 34 t ha-2 year-1 and accumulation rates reach the maximum at 37 t ha-2 year-1

Assessment of soil erosion trough the use of 137 Cs at Jaslovske Bohunice, Western Slovakia

The intention of this study is to provide a well-representative set of data on long term erosion rate in pilot area representing the loess hillylands of Slovakia. For this purpose, the 137Cs-method is most appropriate. Pilot area was chosen nearby the Jaslovske Bohunice village, Western Slovakia. The sampling strategy was based on a multiple transect approach. The analyzing was performed at Nuclear Power Plant Research Institute, Jaslov s ke Bohunice. The obtained data were interpreted using several calibration models expressing the relation of 137Cs activity to soil erosion-accumulation rate. The proportional model, the simplified mass balance model and the standard mass balance model developed at Exeter University, Great Britain, were tested. The highest values are provided by simplified mass balance model. The proportional model gives somewhat lower values. Considerably lower values were calculated by standard mass balance model. The most realistic are the values given by the last model, as this model uses the most comprehensive set of input parameters. The erosion rates calculated by this model range up to 34 t ha-2 year-1 and accumulation rates reach the maximum at 37 t ha-2 year-1

Uncertainties, sensitivities and robustness of simulated water erosion in an EPIC-based global gridded crop model

Water erosion on arable land can reduce soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Despite the impact of water erosion on crops, it is typically neglected in global crop yield projections. Furthermore, previous efforts to quantify global water erosion have paid little attention to the effects of field management on the magnitude of water erosion. In this study, we analyse the robustness of simulated water erosion estimates in maize and wheat fields between the years 1980 and 2010 based on daily model outputs from a global gridded version of the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) crop model. By using the MUSS water erosion equation and country-specific and environmental indicators determining different intensities in tillage, residue handling and cover crops, we obtained the global median water erosion rates of 7 t ha-1 a-1 in maize fields and 5 t ha-1 a-1 in wheat fields. A comparison of our simulation results with field data demonstrates an overlap of simulated and measured water erosion values for the majority of global cropland. Slope inclination and daily precipitation are key factors in determining the agreement between simulated and measured erosion values and are the most critical input parameters controlling all water erosion equations included in EPIC. The many differences between field management methods worldwide, the varying water erosion estimates from different equations and the complex distribution of cropland in mountainous regions add uncertainty to the simulation results. To reduce the uncertainties in global water erosion estimates, it is necessary to gather more data on global farming techniques to reduce the uncertainty in global land-use maps and to collect more data on soil erosion rates representing the diversity of environmental conditions where crops are grown

Uncertainties, sensitivities and robustness of simulated water erosion in an EPIC-based global gridded crop model

Water erosion on arable land can reduce soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Despite the impact of water erosion on crops, it is typically neglected in global crop yield projections. Furthermore, previous efforts to quantify global water erosion have paid little attention to the effects of field management on the magnitude of water erosion. In this study, we analyse the robustness of simulated water erosion estimates in maize and wheat fields between the years 1980 and 2010 based on daily model outputs from a global gridded version of the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) crop model. By using the MUSS water erosion equation and country-specific and environmental indicators determining different intensities in tillage, residue handling and cover crops, we obtained the global median water erosion rates of 7 t ha−1 a−1 in maize fields and 5 t ha−1 a−1 in wheat fields. A comparison of our simulation results with field data demonstrates an overlap of simulated and measured water erosion values for the majority of global cropland. Slope inclination and daily precipitation are key factors in determining the agreement between simulated and measured erosion values and are the most critical input parameters controlling all water erosion equations included in EPIC. The many differences between field management methods worldwide, the varying water erosion estimates from different equations and the complex distribution of cropland in mountainous regions add uncertainty to the simulation results. To reduce the uncertainties in global water erosion estimates, it is necessary to gather more data on global farming techniques to reduce the uncertainty in global land-use maps and to collect more data on soil erosion rates representing the diversity of environmental conditions where crops are grown

Designing a new science-policy communication mechanism for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has lacked an efficient mechanism to access scientific knowledge since entering into force in 1996. In 2011 it decided to convene an Ad Hoc Working Group on Scientific Advice (AGSA) and gave it a unique challenge: to design a new mechanism for science-policy communication based on the best available scientific evidence. This paper outlines the innovative 'modular mechanism' which the AGSA proposed to the UNCCD in September 2013, and how it was designed. Framed by the boundary organization model, and an understanding of the emergence of a new multi-scalar and polycentric style of governing, the modular mechanism consists of three modules: a Science-Policy Interface (SPI); an international self-governing and self-organizing Independent Non-Governmental Group of Scientists; and Regional Science and Technology Hubs in each UNCCD region. Now that the UNCCD has established the SPI, it is up to the worldwide scientific community to take the lead in establishing the other two modules. Science-policy communication in other UN environmental conventions could benefit from three generic principles corresponding to the innovations in the three modules-joint management of science-policy interfaces by policy makers and scientists; the production of synthetic assessments of scientific knowledge by autonomous and accountable groups of scientists; and multi-scalar and multi-directional synthesis and reporting of knowledge

Impact of the Gabcikovo hydropower structure on the agricultural soils

Available from the Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, under signature: A567120 / Slovenska Technicka Univerzita v BratislaveSIGLESKSlovak Republi