Runoff and erosion in five land units of a closed basin of northeastern Patagonia

Soil loss and runoff were assessed in five land units (LUs) of a closed basin by means of 18 experimental plots within a 42 month period. Temporal distribution of runoff and erosion was unequal. Among 120 rainfall events recorded during the study period, only 15 events caused runoff. Maximum percent of runoff (79.9%) and maximum specific runoff (19.5 L m(-2)) were produced by the two events of highest intensity and were recorded in a LU characterized by a crusted and compacted sandy loam soil. These two events also accounted for more than 60% of the total soil loss. Soil loss was negatively correlated to percent of sand in the top soil (r = -0.91 and vegetation cover (r = -0.69) and ranged from 37.0 g m(-2) (sand) to 1661.7 g m(-2) (clay).