Optimum gravel size for use as a soil surface cover for the prevention of soil erosion by water

Eleven series of replicated tests were conducted using 38.1 mm, 15.9 mm, and 9.5 mm gravel to determine the most effective soil surface cover to prevent soil erosion from rainfall. A sediment tray one meter square in size with an integrated rainfall simulator was used to generate data after initial trial runs had established test procedures. Various size gravels and a control with no cover were tested in a laboratory using simulated rainfall to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing erosion. Through thirty-three experiments, signature traits of specific rock sizes were identified. Experiments on 38.1 mm gravel indicated the usefulness of rock mulches in soil erosion prevention. Evaluations with 9.5 mm material indicated that erosion prevention varies inversely with particle size. Experiments with 15.9 mm gravel suggested that this material could increase erosion. This study reflects the ambivalence in the literature and points to the complexity of micro-interactions and erosion potential as influenced by gravel size. Six mechanisms governing rock mulch erosion were proposed.