Estimating soil loss from changes in soil cesium-137

Author:
  • RKR. Gary Kachanoski
    R. Gary Kachanoski

Abstract
A simple power-function equation was developed to relate changes in soil 137Cs with time to an average annual soil-loss rate. The equation accounts for tillage dilution of the concentration of 137Cs in the surface plow layer and for enrichment in the eroding soil. The predictions from the relationship were similar to values for a more complicated model and to measured values given in previous studies. Key words: Erosion rate, prediction, cesium-137