Erosion and control options in the La Ciénega Microbasin in Malinaltepec, Guerrero, Mexico

Objective: To estimate the water erosion rate in the La Ciénega Microbasin inMalinaltepec, Guerrero, Mexico, and to evaluate control options.Design/methodology/approach: Potential erosion rate, actual erosion rate, anderosion control were estimated using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) underthree conservation practices: contour plowing, successive land terracing, and liveterracing with vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty).Results: High erosion potential is shown by 99.18% of the microbasin surface area.Due to vegetation, only 41% of the surface area demonstrates high or very high actualerosion, 53.6% light, and 4.6% moderate. A living barrier using vetiver is the onlyconservation practice, of those assessed, that effectively diminished erosion.Study limitations/implications: The lack of accurate data on rain-induced erosion wasa limiting factor in this study. Findings/conclusions: The La Ciénega Microbasin has a high risk of erosion andcurrent erosion is a problem on agricultural land. The most effective option is livingbarriers using vetiver.