Multidirectional traps as a new assessment system of soil wind erosion

ABSTRACT We tested a new type of wind-transported particle collector (multidirectional traps, MDt) in southeast Spain to forecast particle movement in three different soil types. The MDt collectors are easy to manufacture from thermoplastic filaments with an industrial 3D printer. The collectors tested were very efficient. Our research was carried out on unplowed Calcisols and on orange and olive-cropped Fluvisols and Luvisols, respectively. The results from the logs of nine vaned masts, each with four MDt collectors at different heights, on Calcisols, Fluvisols and Luvisols were compared with the wind erodible fraction of these soils (EF) empirically estimated and with their erosion rates calculated in a wind tunnel of our own design with a built-in laser scanner. These new collectors can differentiate the collected sediments by their direction of origin and arranged in a network of masts, enabling to distinguish overall particle loss or deposition, which is not detectable with the wind tunnel due to the work scale and no windward deposits, as it is a closed device. Comparison of the calculated EF and the total mass of transported particles recorded by the MDt collectors showed very good correlation (R2 = 0.9144) with an even better relationship between the results of the wind tunnel and collectors (R2 = 0.9741). Required precision, financing, and execution time are important in determining the use of the device. We conclude that this device shows good potential.

Sonic anemometry and sediment traps to evaluate the effectiveness of windbreaks in preventing wind erosion

The present work analyzes the effectiveness of windbreaks against wind erosion through the study of streamline patterns and turbulent flow by means of sonic anemometry and sediment traps. To this end, windbreaks composed of plastic meshes (7.5 m long and 0.7 m tall) were used. Windbreaks are a good means to reduce wind erosion, as they produce a positive effect on the characteristics of air currents that are related to wind erosion processes. Due to their ease of installation and dismantling, plastic meshes are widely used in areas where they are not required permanently. In our study, the use of a mesh of 13 × 30 threads cm2 and 39 % porosity resulted in an average reduction of 85 % in face velocity at a height of 0.4 m and a distance of 1 m from the windbreak. The turbulence intensity i increased behind the windbreak because the reduction of mean of air speed on the leeside caused by the flow of air through the windbreak. Fluctuation levels, however, remained stable. The mean values of turbulence kinetic energy k decreased by 65 % to 86 % at a distance of 1 m from the windbreak and at a height of 0.4 m. The windbreak reduces erosion and sediment transportation 2 m downwind (2.9 times the windbreak height). Nevertheless, sediment transportation was not reduced at a height of 1.0 m and the effect of the windbreak was not observed at a distance of 6 m downwind (8.6 m times the windbreak height).

Sonic anemometry and sediment traps to evaluate the effectiveness of windbreaks in preventing wind erosion

The present work analyzes the effectiveness of windbreaks against wind erosion through the study of streamline patterns and turbulent flow by means of sonic anemometry and sediment traps. To this end, windbreaks composed of plastic meshes (7.5 m long and 0.7 m tall) were used. Windbreaks are a good means to reduce wind erosion, as they produce a positive effect on the characteristics of air currents that are related to wind erosion processes. Due to their ease of installation and dismantling, plastic meshes are widely used in areas where they are not required permanently. In our study, the use of a mesh of 13 × 30 threads cm2 and 39 % porosity resulted in an average reduction of 85 % in face velocity at a height of 0.4 m and a distance of 1 m from the windbreak. The turbulence intensity i increased behind the windbreak because the reduction of mean of air speed on the leeside caused by the flow of air through the windbreak. Fluctuation levels, however, remained stable. The mean values of turbulence kinetic energy k decreased by 65 % to 86 % at a distance of 1 m from the windbreak and at a height of 0.4 m. The windbreak reduces erosion and sediment transportation 2 m downwind (2.9 times the windbreak height). Nevertheless, sediment transportation was not reduced at a height of 1.0 m and the effect of the windbreak was not observed at a distance of 6 m downwind (8.6 m times the windbreak height).(AU)