Spatial patterns of surface soil magnetism and soil redistribution across a fallow field, northern Alabama

Distributed assessments of total soil loss from agricultural fields are important for understanding both on-site and off-site consequences of historical and current erosion. In this study, the potential for using cheap and rapid measurements of soil magnetism to identify relative degrees of total soil loss is tested in a fallow field in northern Alabama. This is accomplished by defining and mapping erosion categories based on two different magnetic measurements, and an existing soil magnetism model describing soil loss in a nearby field. Surface soil magnetism patterns generally accord with Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation soil loss estimates, but may contain more useful information regarding historical soil redistribution (mass balance at a point) for the fallow field tested. Due to current limitations of the technique and the intrinsic complexity of soidscapes, the best use of magnetic surveying at this time is likely to be in rapid erosion reconnaissance.