Predicting Soil Loss and Runoff from Forest Roads and Seasonal Cropping Systems in Brazil using WEPP - Erosion Modelling - page 184

Table 10.1

WEPP applications in Brazil (papers and PhD theses).

Year Authors Title of paper/PhD Journal/University

1990 Chaves, H.M.L. Uncertainty analysis of a steady state erosion

model.

Purdue University

1994a Chaves, H.M.L. Novidades sobre o Water Erosion Prediction

Project: WEPP.

Solos Altamente Suscetíveis à Erosão

1994b Chaves, H.M.L. Adapta ç ão do modelo WEPP para as condi ç ões

brasileiras.

Solos Altamente Suscetíveis à Erosão

1998 Guerra, A.J.T. & Favis-Mortlock, D. Land degradation in Brazil: the present and the

future.

Geography Review

1999 Favis-Mortlock, D. & Guerra, A.J.T. The implications of general circulation model Catena

estimates of rainfall for future erosion: a case
study from Brazil.

2000 Favis-Mortlock, D. & Guerra, A.J.T. The influence of global greenhouse-gas emissions Soil Erosion- Application of Physically

Based Models on future rates of soil erosion: a case study

from Brazil, using WEPP-CO 2 .

2001 Garcia, A.R. Uso do modelo WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Universidade Federal de Vi ç osa

Project) modificado para estimar taxas de
erosão em estradas florestais.

2003 Martins Filho, M.V., et al . Modelagem do processo de erosão entressulcos Engenharia Agrícola Jaboticabal

para latossolos de Jaboticabal - SP.

2004 Martins Filho, M.V., et al . Modelos para estimativa do sub-fator cobertura- Engenharia Agrícola Jaboticabal

manejo relativo à erosão entressulcos.

2007 Gon ç alves, F. A. Valida ç ão do modelo WEPP na predi ç ão de Universidade Federal de Vi ç osa

erosão hídrica para condi ç ão edafoclimática
na região de Vi ç osa-MG.

validation. Our intention is to help WEPP users
with the practical use of the model.

angles make it difficult to carry goods, especially
during the rainy season. This situation causes
several problems for the state and private sectors.
The roads need major modifications in order to
reduce overflow volumes. Rainwater represents
the main cause of erosion, and so it is important
to capture and control these waters, so as to miti-
gate their erosional effects.
The environmental impacts on the rural roads
affect water quality, because it increases turbidity
and the consequent silting in the channels.
Compaction by heavy vehicles decreases infiltra-
tion rates and thus increases overland flow and
river discharge. Furthermore, the increased turbid-
ity and associated eutrophication of rivers dam-
ages water flora and fauna, and this significantly
decreases fish diversity, population and health.
Erosion on roads caused by rainfall and runoff
occurs mainly because of inadequate construction

10.2 Case Study 1: Estimation of Erosion

Rates on Forest Roads in Brazil

The main objective of this case study (Garcia,
2001) was to determine the total runoff volume
and sediment yield from different forest road seg-
ments under normal rainfall conditions. The
measured data were compared with the predicted
data generated by the WEPP model. The research
site is located in Agudos Municipality, São Paulo
State, on a reforestation project with Pinus carib-
aea and Pinus oocarpa .
Roads are the main means of transport for
agro-industrial production within Brazil. The
non-paved rural roads in areas with steep slope