Understanding erosion processes on a larger scale: downstream effects
Nowadays there are many research articles, publications and recommendations on the implication and effectiveness of SWM measures for sustainable land resource management. Several research articles in this review explain the effectiveness and impact of SWC measures mainly at plot and small-scale watersheds however; the evaluation should have addressed both long-term and short-term impacts at medium or large-scale watersheds for better understanding of landscape biophysical parameters. Beside the insufficiency of the studies and recommendations, many policy briefs, decisions, and planning and implementation of SWC measures have been decided on, based on plot level and small-scale watershed observations. A more profound understanding of the changes that involve situation specific interactions among various factors at different spatial and temporal scales is therefore needed (Lambin et al., 2003; Veldkamp & Verburg, 2004). Larger scale studies can consider the management effects in the whole landscape and it finally leads to understand the connectivity of sediment and waters.