WATER EROSION RATES AND MECHANISMS IN ANDOSOLS AND VOLCANIC ARIDISOLS IN TWO CONTRASTING BIOCLIMATIC REGIONS (CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN)

This paper shows the results of water erosion rate monitoring in Andosols and Aridisols in two contrasted bioclimatic regions on Tenerife Island. Erosion mechanisms are different in both soil types and climatic zones, being basically related to rainfall dynamics and to the structural characteristics of the soil surface. This has important consequences for the design of erosion control strategies and the management of water resources in both areas. Additional Keywords: erosion plots, Fulvudands, Petrocalcids, runoff