Erosion Pins: Installation, Readings, and Calculations of Soil Losses under the Effect of Hydrogel

Abstract

Erosion pins are considered a simple and inexpensive way to estimate soil losses due to erosion and have been used in different environments with different degrees and types of erosion. Despite the advantages of this technique, there is a shortage of studies that demonstrate how data systematization and soil loss calculations are performed using this technique. Therefore, this study aimed to present the step-by-step data systematization process of erosion pins obtained in the field and the calculation of soil losses, with the measurement of soil losses under the effect of hydrogel. Readings from 16 pins installed in an area cultivated with soursop trees planted on contour lines and associated with stone rows were monitored weekly between 19/02 and 19/03/2022 by measuring the distance between the soil surface and the end of each pin. The readings were organized by pin and date of measurement. Subsequently, soil lowering and burial, soil density, useful area of each pin, and soil loss in kg/m3 and Mg/ha-1 were determined, enabling statistical analysis and technical interpretation of the data.