Abstract:
Objective This study aims to elucidate the effects of rainfall characteristics and tillage practices on soil erosion and eroded sediment particle size distribution on red-soil gentle slopes, thereby providing a reference for optimizing tillage practices and controlling soil erosion on red-soil gentle slopes of the Yunnan Plateau.
Methods Typical gentle slopes in central Yunnan were selected as the research objects, with five tillage treatments established: downslope tillage (CK), contour tillage (T1), downslope + contour tillage (T2), downslope + hedgerow (T3), and downslope + soybean intercropping (T4). Four types of rainfall events were identified: Type I—moderate-duration moderate-intensity rainfall; Type Ⅱ—medium-to-long-duration heavy rainstorm; Type Ⅲ—long-duration light rainfall; and Type Ⅳ—short-duration heavy rainfall. The effects of rainfall characteristics and tillage practices on slope erosion and sediment particle size distribution were investigated.
Results 1) Type Ⅱ rainfall generated the largest runoff depth (1.38 mm) and sediment yield (2.39 g/m2), whereas Type Ⅳ rainfall produced relatively low sediment yield but had the highest proportion of eroded sediment in the 0.25–2 mm particle size fraction (46.19%). 2) Compared with CK, treatments T1–T4 reduced runoff depth by an average of 33.47% and sediment yield by 49.50%. Among them, T1 achieved the best runoff reduction (43.98%), while T3 showed the greatest sediment reduction (72.25%), accompanied by a 49.00% decrease in median particle size (D50) and increases of 35.19% and 95.78% in the 0.002–0.05 mm and < 0.002 mm particle size fractions, respectively. 3) The maximum 60-min rainfall intensity (I60) was the most critical factor driving eroded sediment particle size distribution, with an explanatory power of 48.70%.
Conclusions T1 is most effective in reducing runoff, while T3 performs best in reducing sediment yield, and both are recommended as effective soil and water conservation measures for red-soil gentle slopes. Regional soil erosion control should prioritize the erosion risk associated with Type Ⅱ rainfall, and I60 is recommended as a key early warning indicator. These findings provide a preliminary scientific basis for the targeted prevention and control of soil erosion on red-soil gentle slopes of the Yunnan Plateau.