Discussion on 'the extent of soil erosion in upland england and wales'

摘要

A recent survey by McHugh et al. (Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2002, Vol.27, pp. 99-107), on the extent of soil erosion in upland England and Wales has several important limitations which should be considered when evaluating the significance of the results. The main limitations focus on an inadequate definition of the field survey methods; a lack of appreciation of the geomorphological context of the results; and no linking of erosion loss to time scale. An alternative approach based on sediment budge analysis provides reliable estimates of erosion and deposition; and indication of how upland sediment systems operate; and the relative significance of slope and channel processes. We believe it is more productive to have several strategically placed sediment budget assessments in the uplands of England and Wales than a rigid countrywide grid survey.