Thomas Brunner

and 9 more

Every application of soil erosion models brings the need of proper parametrization, i.e., finding physically or conceptually plausible parameter values that allow a model to reproduce measured values. No universal approach for model parametrization, calibration and validation exists, as it depends on the model, spatial and temporal resolution and the nature of the datasets used. We explored some existing options for parametrization, calibration and validation for erosion modelling exemplary with a specific dataset and modelling approach. A modified version of the Morgan-Morgan-Finney (MMF) model was selected, representing a balanced position between physically-based and empirical modelling approaches. The resulting calculator for soil erosion (CASE) model works in a spatially distributed way on the timescale of individual rainfall events. A dataset of 142 high-intensity rainfall experiments in Central Europe (AT, HU, IT, CZ), covering various slopes, soil types and experimental designs was used for calibration and validation with a modified Monte-Carlo approach. Subsequently, model parameter values were compared to parameter values obtained by alternative methods (measurements, pedotransfer functions, literature data). The model reproduced runoff and soil loss of the dataset in the validation setting with R 2 adj of 0.89 and 0.76, respectively. Satisfactory agreement for the water phase was found, with calibrated saturated hydraulic conductivity (k sat) values falling within the interquartile range of k sat predicted with 14 different PTFs, or being within one order of magnitude. The chosen approach also well reflected specific experimental setups contained in the dataset dealing with the effects of consecutive rainfall and different soil water conditions. For the sediment phase of the tested model agreement between calibrated cohesion, literature values and field measurements were only partially in line. For future applications of similar model applications or datasets, the obtained parameter combinations as well as the explored methods for deriving them may provide guidance.

Tailin Li

and 4 more

In this study, we introduce datasets that include both hydrological and meteorological records at the Nučice experimental catchment (0.53 km2) which is representative for an intensively farmed landscape in the Czech Republic. The Nučice experimental catchment was established in 2011 for the observation of rainfall-runoff processes, soil erosion processes, and water balance of a cultivated landscape. The average altitude is 401 m a.s.l., the mean land slope is 3.9%, and the climate is humid continental (mean annual temperature 7.9 °C, annual precipitation 630 mm). The catchment is drained by an artificially straightened stream and consists of three fields covering over 95 % of the area which are managed by two different farmers. The typical crops are winter wheat, rapeseed, and alfalfa. The installed equipment includes a standard meteorological station, several rain gauges distributed across the basin, and an H-flume that monitors stream discharge, water turbidity, and basic water quality indicators. Additionally, the groundwater level and soil water content at various depths near the stream are recorded. Recently, large-scale soil moisture monitoring efforts have been introduced with the installation of two cosmic-ray soil moisture sensors. The datasets consist of measured precipitation, air temperature, stream discharge, and soil moisture and are available online for public use. The cross seasonal, open access runoff generation datasets at this small-scale agricultural catchment will benefit not only hydrologists but also local farmers.