The impact of cultivation practice and wheelings on runoff generation and soil erosion on the South Downs: some experimental results using simulated rainfall

Abstract. The quantitative effects of different cultivation practices and wheelings on the generation of runoff and soil loss on the South Downs were assessed experimentally with a small drip‐type rainfall simulator and rainfall intensities of 42.5 and 23.3 mm/h. Runoff volumes generated by different cultivation practices and between wheeled and non‐wheeled areas were significantly different. Amounts of soil lost from different cultivation treatments and from wheelings were less consistent. Less runoff and erosion occurred from shallow cultivated land than from conventionally ploughed and cultivated land. Runoff is further increased by rolling ploughed land after drilling and along tramlines compressed by wheelings. Under high intensity rainfall, considerable runoff can be generated from stubble, especially from wheeled areas.