[A geographical information system applied to the study of erosion in a mountain pedo-environment [Piedmont]]
2003
Stanchi, S. (Turin Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Valorizzazione e Protezione delle Risorse Agroforestali) | Lorito, S. | Vianello, G. (Bologna Univ. (Italy). Centro Sperimentale per lo Studio e l'Analisi del Suolo) | Zanini, E. (Turin Univ. (Italy). Laboratorio Centro di Saggio della Neve e dei Suoli Alpini (LNSA))
Alpine ecosystems are characterized by high complexity and vulnerability and soil pedogenesis is generally a slow process. Generally speaking, alpine soils are often non intensely evolved and affected by surface soil loss due to erosion. The organic matter evolution is normally the main physical and chemical developing factor. In alpine pedo-environments, water erosion is directly influenced both by the rainfall intensity or average values and snow melting or freezing cycles. The complex mountain geomorphology, the topography, the forest cover, influencing the organic matter content, and the conservation practices play a heavy role in soil aggregation and vulnerability to erosion. This work is a preliminary study on alpine soil erosion comparing two different benchmark areas in the Susa Valley (Western Alps, Italy), which has been chosen as a site for the Winter Olympic Games Torino 2006. In each area, homogeneous Land Unit Types have been identified by overlying vegetation, geology, steepness and land use/cover. The RUSLE model (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) has then been critically applied by a GIS integrated approach. The results show the limits of the model in defining the erosion, but could be considered as a starting point for other studies on the effect of the amount and quality of organic matter in soil on erosion processes in alpine ecosystems. Moreover, the integrated RUSLE-GIS approach seems promising in giving useful information for soil conservation and decision making, through the definition of best practices and management guidelines
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