In this study we apply the 137Cs technique to assess the influence of landforms on soil movement along an agricultural hillslope. With this purpose a topographical transect on a typical hillslope, with a complex topography and contrasting land use, was selected within a subhumid agricultural landscape (Pre-pyrenean, NE Spain). The distribution of the 137Cs depth profiles and 137Cs residuals was examined in soils along the transect. The results indicate that soil loss predominates in cultivated profiles on straight parts, while soil deposition was found in cultivated profiles on concave parts. Soil stability predominated on convex areas under forest cover, while soil loss was found on sparsely vegetated areas. The morphology of landforms controls soil redistribution, and affects sediment connectivity along the transect.

4 Pags., 5 Figs. Publicación presentada originalmente en la XII Reunión Nacional de Geomorfología en Santander, 2012.

Trabajo financiado por el proyecto de la CICYT: EROMED (CGL2011-25486/BTE)

Peer reviewed