Tolerable soil loss model: application to watershed management.

Abstract

A model to estimate tolerable soil loss is presented as a fundamental criterion on watershed management. The model is based upon the axiom that the maximum tolerable soil loss is lower than the soil quantity made up of the ecological system, which is described by its mathematical function. Taking this function as a starting point, maximum tolerable soil loss values have been tabulated, according to soil depth, for spanish climax soils. Through the application of this methodology, it has been obtained the tolerable soil loss of the ones located in the medium section of the Jarama River basin.