Current state of theoretical knowledge and mathematical modeling of soil erosion by water processes, sediment transport and their impact on hydrographical basin area is still relatively in an incipient phase. Given the multitude of factors involved in these processes and influence each other, as the extraordinary diversity of the concrete conditions of nature in which such processes occur, is almost impossible for a general theoretical foundation, from which to develop the appropriate calculation tools, useful in the analysis and engineering design activity. Most of the existing relations are obtained either experimentally or in laboratory conditions, either in situ or physical models. However, numerical simulation models emerged in recent decades (WEPP, USLE, RUSLE, etc.) will produce results with practical use. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of two important factors in the process of solid flow formation on slopes: the initial soil moisture and the use of land. To do this, was used the WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project) software. With this program was modeled process of soil erosion in hydrographical basin Manastiur, Timis County, Romania, in different assumptions of torrential rains production, different initial humidity of soil and different land use. Were determined correlations between soil loss and initial soil moisture, and the use of land, respectively. On the basis of the obtained results, we can plan land management that takes into consideration the present situation and the perspectives of an area and harmonizes the interests of all its determining factors (the human factor, the environment, the economic factor etc.). At the same time, we can establish efficient economic and technical solid flow control measures and works (agrotechnical, forest, hydrotechnical measures; structural and non – structural measures), necessary for the abatement of solid flow and the negative effects of soil erosion on the environment. A critical observation is that the WEPP model is applicable only for small basins; the model can only use a single file with climate characteristics, namely the same type of storms or torrential rains through entire area of hydrographical basin (the same rain intensity and duration).

hydrographical basin; soil erosion; solid flow; soil moisture; land use

Presentation: oral