Field studies of sediment transport by overland flow

Abstract Field studies on sandy soils of the Cottenham Series in mid‐Bedfordshire show that the mean annual rate of sediment transport by overland flow on an 11° mid‐slope is 98 g cm1. The feasibility of using sediment transport equations to predict erosion by overland flow on a storm basis is examined by comparing the observed values of sediment yield with values predicted by four sediment transport equations and a regression equation which relates soil loss to runoff energy and rainfall energy. An expression combining Engelund's sediment transport capacity equation and the Manning equation for flow velocity, as modified by Savat for disturbed flow, best reflects field conditions. Although there is a significant correlation (r = 0.69; n 30) between the observed and predicted values using this expression, the coefficient of determination is too low for predictive purposes. Reasons for this are presented.