Characteristics and Erodibility of Some HiJl Soils in Uttar Pradesh under Varying Land Use, Slope and Terracing Conditions

The average valueof clay ratio, silt/clay ratio, clay I moisture equivalent ratio, dispersion ratio, erosion ratio and erosion index of soils of Kaphra-Bhaura sub-watershed in Almora district of Uttar Pradesh were 11.1, 1.5, 0.5, 31.6, 63.1 and 64.0, respectively. The values of erodibility factor (K), calculated from mathematical models of Wischmeier et al. (1971) and Romkens et al. (1977) were 0.41 and 0.20, respectively. The soils associated with well maintained terraces were stable and less erodible than those under poor terraces, grazing, and degraded civil forests. Most of the soil characteristics, except coarse soil fragments, showed a negative correlation with elevation and terrain slope. Erodibility indices showed positive correlation with elevation and slope.