Assessing the Efficiency of Two Silvicultural Approaches for Soil Erosion Mitigation Using a Novel Monitoring Apparatus

Pietro Salvaneschi, Antonio Pica, Ciro Apollonio (), Teodoro Andrisano, Massimo Pecci, Andrea Petroselli and Bartolomeo Schirone
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Pietro Salvaneschi: Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Antonio Pica: Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Ciro Apollonio: Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Teodoro Andrisano: Maiella National Park, Via Badia 28, 67039 Sulmona, Italy
Massimo Pecci: Department of Regional Affairs and Autonomies (DARA)—Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Via della Stamperia 8, 00186 Rome, Italy
Andrea Petroselli: Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Bartolomeo Schirone: Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Soil erosion and hydrogeological risk are critical phenomena gaining increased recognition within the scientific community. Although these occurrences are naturally occurring, human activities can exacerbate their impacts. For example, deforestation consistently amplifies soil erosion. This study examines two distinct forest management strategies aimed at addressing soil erosion: the Banded Standards Method (BSM) and the Scattered Standards Method (SSM). We conducted a field experiment in two test areas located in central Italy, with one area employing the BSM and the other implementing the SSM. Two soil erosion plots were established, representing prototypes of a novel erosion monitoring apparatus called the Natural Erosion Trap (NET), or Diabrosimeter, specifically designed for forest environments. At regular intervals, particularly after significant storm events, sediment and leaf litter accumulated within the erosion plots were collected, dried, and weighed to quantify erosion rates and assess the efficacy of the silvicultural methods under investigation. The results revealed a 30.72% reduction in the eroded material with BSM compared to SSM, underscoring BSM’s ability to mitigate potential hazards and preserve environmental integrity.

Keywords: soil erosion; watershed management; forest management; soil conservation; experimental plots; silvicultural treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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