ABSTRACT Hydro-sedimentological models might be useful tools for investigating the effectiveness of soil and water conservation practices. However, evaluating the usefulness of such models requires that predictions are tested against observational data and that uncertainty from model parameterization is addressed. Here we aimed to evaluate the capacity of the SWAT model to simulate monthly streamflow and sediment load in the Posses creek catchment (12 km2), Southeast Brazil. The SUFI-2 algorithm from SWAT-CUP was applied for calibration, testing, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis. The model was calibrated and initially tested using discharge and sediment load data, which were measured at the catchment outlet. Additionally, we used soil loss measurements from erosion plots within the catchment as independent data for model evaluation. Average monthly streamflow simulations obtained satisfactory results, with Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) values of 0.75 and 0.51 for the calibration and testing periods, respectively. Sediment load simulations also displayed satisfactory results for calibration (NSE = 0.65) and testing (NSE = 0.52). However, the comparison with independent plot data revealed that SWAT severely overestimated hillslope erosion rates and compensated it with high sediment channel deposition. Moreover, the model was not sensitive to the parameters used for calculating hillslope sediment yields. Therefore, it should be used with caution for evaluating the interactions between land use, soil erosion, and sediment delivery. We found that the commonly used outlet-based approach for model calibration and testing can lead to internal misrepresentations, and models can reproduce the right answer for the wrong reasons.

ABSTRACT: Little is known about the groundwater recharge potential of weathered tropical catchments, where increasing water uptake is widespread to meet various water demands. This study aimed to estimate the volume of groundwater recharge of the Doce River Basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The BALSEQ model was applied to calculate the water balance over a period of two years (2007-2009). Evapotranspiration, runoff, and potential groundwater recharge (PGR) were calculated, using daily data on rainfall, potential evapotranspiration, and plant-available water. A soil survey was undertaken for all major soils occurring in the basin. Soils samples were used to determine hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, and water content at field capacity and at the permanent wilting point. Vegetation data were obtained from the literature and used to determine the following parameters: canopy interception, crop coefficient, and root depth. The estimated groundwater was spatially predicted using the Random Forests model with digital elevation, vegetation index, pedological, lithological, and climate maps. During the two years, an average of 32 % of rainfall was converted to groundwater. Annually, the percent of rainwater converted to groundwater varied between 27 and 48 % for all soil classes, highlighting the great temporal variability. The spatial prediction showed a volume of approximately 17,484 and 35,410 m3 of rainfall being converted to groundwater for the first and second year, respectively. The BALSEQ model showed a feasibility for the water balance calculation and can be reapplied for updating the groundwater maps of the Doce River Basin. These maps could then be used to guide land use planning programs, with the aim to protect water resources.

ABSTRACT The state of Tocantins is inserted in the new Brazilian agricultural frontier and has shown enormous potential for expansion of the agricultural lands. However, there is a lack of more elaborate scientific information for better planning and guide agricultural activities, especially regarding the soil and water conservation. Tocantins has a relevant rainfall spatial variability and, consequently, rainfall erosivity. Thus, this work aimed to develop models to estimate the mean monthly and annual rainfall and means rainfall erosivity factor (R-factor) of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) for the state of Tocantins. For that, 97 historical series of daily rainfall were studied, considering a standard period of 25 years (1985-2009). The fitting of the models adjustment datasets consists of 86 rain-gauges, out of which, 11 were randomly selected and used solely for model validation. Afterward, maps of these variables were generated based on the regression-kriging procedure. The fitted models presented precision statistical that allow characterizing them as “good quality”, with a coefficient of determination higher than 0.68 for rainfall models and 0.65 for the R-factor model, besides acceptable bias. Therefore, the application of the models can be successfully carried out, aiding the agricultural planning in the state of Tocantins.

ABSTRACT The Jaguarí River Basin forms the main water supply sources for the São Paulo Metropolitan Region and other cities in the state. Since the kinetic energy of rainfall is the driving force of water erosion, the main cause of land and water degradation, we tested the hypothesis of correlation between the erosive potential of rainfall (erosivity) and geographical coordinates and altitude for the purpose of predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall erosivity index (EI30) in the basin. An equation was used to estimate the (EI30) in accordance with the average monthly and total annual rainfall at rainfall stations with data available for the study area. In the regression kriging technique, the deterministic part was modeled using multiple linear regression between the dependent variable (EI30) and environmental predictor variables: latitude, longitude, and altitude. From the result of equations and the maps generated, a direct correlation between erosivity and altitude could be observed. Erosivity has a markedly seasonal behavior in accordance with the rainy season from October to March. This season concentrates 86 % of the estimated EI30 values, with monthly maximum values of up to 2,342 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 month-1 between December and January, and minimum of 34 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 month-1 in August. The highest values were found in the Mantiqueira Range region (annual average of up to 12,000 MJ mm ha-1 h-1), a region that should be prioritized in soil and water conservation efforts. From this validation, good precision and accuracy of the model was observed for the long period of the annual average, which is the main factor used in soil loss prediction models.

A recarga do aquífero livre é um dos processos mais importantes na hidrologia das águas subterrâneas, pois constitui reserva renovável deste manancial. Portanto, uma boa estimativa desta variável é fundamental para uma gestão adequada dos recursos hídricos, sobretudo frente à variabilidade climática inerente ao regime climático, assim como o avanço da poluição das águas superficiais e aumento da demanda por águas subterrâneas de boa qualidade. No presente trabalho, foi utilizado um modelo de balanço hídrico do solo para estimar a recarga potencial (Rp) do aquífero livre e os demais componentes do ciclo hidrológico. O modelo foi aplicado em duas bacias hidrográficas de cabeceira do Rio Grande, em Minas Gerais: a Bacia Hidrográfica do Ribeirão Lavrinha (BHRL) e a Bacia Hidrográfica do Ribeirão Marcela (BHRM). A BHRL apresentou maiores valores de Rp, com média anual de 895 mm, o que corresponde a 40% da precipitação média anual, enquanto que na BHRM estes valores foram de 393,3 mm e 25%, respectivamente. Os valores de escoamento de base confirmam essa maior recarga na BRHL, onde este componente da hidrógrafa correspondeu à 76% do total escoado, contra 40% para a BHRM. Com a modelagem empregada, foi possível captar essa diferença, porém seus resultados só foram satisfatórios para um dos anos na BHRL e para todo o período na BHRM, o que reforça a necessidade de utilizar este modelo para longos períodos de tempo.

The free aquifer recharge is a process of major importance in groundwater hydrology because it represents the renewable reserves of the water source. A good estimate of this variable is therefore critical to the proper management of water resources, particularly in light of climate variability inherent to the climate regime, as well as the increasing of surface water pollution and increased demand for good quality water groundwater. This study used a water balance model in soil to estimate the potential recharge (Rp) of the unconfined aquifer and the other components of the hydrological cycle. The model was applied in two watershed headwaters of the Rio Grande in Minas Gerais, Brazil: the Lavrinha River Basin (BHRL) and the Marcela River Basin (BHRM). The BHRL presents higher values of Rp, with an annual average of 895 mm, which corresponds to 40% of rainfall, while at the BHRM these values were 393.3 mm and 25%, respectively. The base runoff values confirm the greater recharge in BRHL, where this hydrograph component corresponded to 76% of the total discharge, compared with 40% for BHRM. The BALSEQ model allowed us to capture this difference, but the results were satisfactory for only one of the years in the BHRL and for the entire period for the BHRM, which reinforces the need to use this model for long time periods.

ABSTRACT Soil bulk density (ρb) data are needed for a wide range of environmental studies. However, ρb is rarely reported in soil surveys. An alternative to obtain ρb for data-scarce regions, such as the Rio Doce basin in southeastern Brazil, is indirect estimation from less costly covariates using pedotransfer functions (PTF). This study primarily aims to develop region-specific PTFs for ρb using multiple linear regressions (MLR) and random forests (RF). Secondly, it assessed the accuracy of PTFs for data grouped into soil horizons and soil classes. For that purpose, we compared the performance of PTFs compiled from the literature with those developed here. Two groups of data were evaluated as covariates: 1) readily available soil properties and 2) maps derived from a digital elevation model and MODIS satellite imagery, jointly with lithological and pedological maps. The MLR model was applied step-wise to select significant predictors and its accuracy assessed by means of cross-validation. The PTFs developed using all data estimated ρb from soil properties by MLR and RF, with R2 of 0.41 and 0.51, respectively. Alternatively, using environmental covariates, RF predicted ρb with R2 of 0.41. Grouping criteria did not lead to a significant increase in the estimates of ρb. The accuracy of the ‘regional’ PTFs developed for this study was greater than that found with the ‘compiled’ PTFs. The best PTF will be firstly used to assess soil carbon stocks and changes in the Rio Doce basin.

RESUMO O monitoramento da erosão hídrica e o conhecimento dos fatores que causam perdas de solo e água são essenciais para o planejamento conservacionista do solo. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar as perdas de solo e água por erosão hídrica, sob chuva natural, em plantios de eucalipto estabelecidos em 2001 (FE2) e 2004 (FE1), floresta nativa (FN) e solo descoberto (SD), no período de 2007 a 2012; e determinar os fatores da USLE: erosividade da chuva (R), erodibilidade (K) de um Argissolo Vermelho e o fator cobertura vegetal (C) para FE1, FE2 e FN, em sub-bacia hidrográfica piloto, em Eldorado do Sul, RS. O fator R foi estimado pelo índice EI30, a partir de dados pluviométricos obtidos em estação climatológica instalada na sub-bacia. As perdas de solo e água foram monitoradas em parcelas experimentais, fornecendo dados consistentes para a estimativa dos fatores K e C. A sub-bacia apresentou uma erosividade média de 4.228.52 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 ano-1. As perdas médias anuais de solo em FE1 e FE2 (0.81 e 0.12 Mg ha-1 ano-1, respectivamente) foram muito abaixo do limite de tolerância 12,9 Mg ha-1 ano-1. Os valores percentuais de perdas de água relativos à precipitação pluvial total decresceram anualmente, aproximando-se dos valores observados em FN. A partir do 5º ano após implantação dos sistemas de eucalipto o comportamento dos mesmos foi semelhante ao da FN, no tocante à erosão hídrica. A erodibilidade do ArgissoloVermelho foi de 0,0026 Mg ha h ha-1 MJ-1 mm-1 e o fator C apresentou valores de 0,121, 0,016 e 0,015 para FE1, FE2 e FN, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT Monitoring water erosion and the factors that control soil and water loss are essential for soil conservation planning. The objective of this study was to evaluate soil and water losses by water erosion under natural rainfall in eucalyptus plantations established in 2001 (EF2), and 2004 (EF1), native forest (NF) and bare soil (BS), during the period of 2007 to 2012; and to determine the USLE factors: rain erosivity (R), erodibility (K) of a Red Argisol and the cover-management factor (C) for EF1, EF2 and NF at a pilot sub-basin, in Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil. The R factor was estimated by the EI30 index, using rainfall data from a gauging station located at the sub-basin. The soil and water losses were monitored in erosion plots, providing consistent data for the estimation of the K and C factors. The sub-basin presented an average erosivity of 4,228.52 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 yr-1. The average annual soil losses em EF1 and EF2 (0.81 e 0.12 Mg ha-1 year-1, respectively) were below of the limit of tolerance, 12.9 Mg ha-1 year-1. The percentage values of water loss relating to the total rainfall decreased annually, approaching the values observed at the NF. From the 5th year on after the implantation of the eucalyptus systems, soil losses values were similar to the ones from NF. The erodibility of the Red Argisol was of 0.0026 Mg ha h ha-1 MJ-1mm-1 and the C factor presented values of 0.121, 0.016 and 0.015 for EF1, EF2 and NF, respectively.

Ao comparar dados passados com os atuais a respeito da vazão no ribeirão São Bartolomeu, Viçosa-MG, percebe-se uma desregularização nas últimas décadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a influência das características físicas dos solos (Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo - LVA e Argissolo Vermelho - PV) sob pastagem e a implantação de práticas de manejo e conservação de solo e água no comportamento hidrológico em uma microbacia do ribeirão São Bartolomeu. Na microbacia foi realizado o monitoramento da precipitação, vazão do curso d'água e nível de água dos lençóis freáticos antes e após a implantação de técnicas de manejo e conservação. O teor de argila dos solos foi maior no LVA em comparação ao PV, não indicando correlação com os resultados de densidade e porosidade do solo, mas influenciando na retenção de água no solo e na condutividade hidráulica, onde, no LVA a retenção de água foi maior do que no PV. A variação do lençol freático foi mais sensível na área do PV, resultado associado às características físicas deste solo e às técnicas de manejo implantadas. Como resultado a vazão mínima de 2004 foi de 188 L min-1, que em comparação com a vazão mínima de 2002 de 80 L min-1, indica um acréscimo de 108 L min-1 (135%) o que confirma uma tendência da ação positivas das técnicas de conservação no abastecimento do lençol freático associado a importância de se conhecer as características do solo, o uso a que está sendo submetido e sua relação com o ciclo hidrológico.

When comparing the past and the current data referring to flow rate in São Bartolomeu creek, Viçosa - MG, it was found that some deregulation has occured in the last decades. The objective of this work was to study the influence of physical characteristics of two types of soils (Yellow-Red Latosol - LVA and Red Argisol - PV) under pasture as well as the implantation of some practices for both management and soil and water conservation in the hydrological behavior in São Bartolomeu creek microbasin. The monitoring of precipitation, flow rate of the water and the water level in the water tables were assessed before and after implantation of the management and conservation techniques. The soil clay contents were higher in LVA compared with PV, however indicating no correlation with the results for the soil density and porosity, but affecting both water retention into soil and the hydraulic conductivity, therefore the water retention in LVA was higher than PV. The water table variation was more sensitive in PV as a result from the association of the physical characteristics of this soil and the management techniques applied. As a result, the minimum flow rate referring to 2004 was 188 L.min-1, which in comparison with the minimum flow rate of 80 L.min-1 referring to 2002 indicates an increment of 108 L.min-1 (135%) which confirm a tendency of the of a positive action of the soil conservation techniques in provisioning the water depth associated to the importance of knowing the characteristics of the soil, the use which it has been submitted to and its relationship with the hydrological cycle.