Water erosion associated with rainfall patterns in the extreme South of Bahia in eucalyptus post-planting

Abstract

Soil and water losses caused by water erosion represent a risk of environmental damage and loss of soil productivity, with economic, social and environmental consequences. Plant cover is an important ally against water erosion, together with the knowledge of rainfall characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the soil and water losses and to determine rainfall patterns in two homogeneous eucalyptus plantations; one in Yellow Argisol, located in Teixeira de Freitas, and another in Humiluvic Spodosol, located in Caravelas, both in the Extreme South of the state of Bahia. Erosion plots were installed, and consisted of three treatments: bare soil, eucalyptus, and native forest. Rainfall data was obtained from an automatic gauging station, with 10 minute registration interval for erosivity (erosivity index EI30) and rainfall pattern analyses. Higher soil losses were observed in Yellow Argisol, and the advanced rainfall pattern was predominant. Eucalyptus minimum tillage was efficient in reducing soil and water losses by water erosion.