Simulation model for predicting soil erosion in a large reservoir of Southern Portugal

Simulation modelling was successfully applied to predict erosion in a vast array of situations and create a decision support system which incorporates erosion control practices and facilitates sustainable land management with significant impact on the ability of the reservoir to hold water. The decision support system offers recommendations on an individual case basis and conveys expert knowledge to decision makers who often have insufficient information to incorporate erosion control in land management decisions. Data from 94 experimental sites at the Alqueva dam watershed in southern Portugal was used to develop and test the model. The strong erosion variances that were observed show the importance of locating the 'hot spots' of soil erosion. The decision makers using the simulation model can issue site-specific, restrictive regulations, develop conservation plans or provide aid to land owners through support practices and localised environmentally friendly farming that will prolong the lifetime of the dam.