An integrated geo-environmental application for watershed management An example from Central Italy

The purpose of this research deals with the analyses of the relationships among soil losses and the main agricultural practises in central Italy. A hydrological-erosive model (WEPP) has been applied in combination with direct observation of sediment yields computed on a sub-catchment basin scale. Soil losses have been examined on a test-site located in a hilly area where Plio-pleistocenic deposits are prevalent. Such sites are representative of lithology, vegetation and climatic conditions of the Mediterranean areas where soil conservation problems are rather relevant. Furthermore, at this site the intensive agriculture is associated with traditional crops such as vineyards and olive groves. This study can provide some information for a better management.