Abstract
We developed a new method for predicting sediment yield from a rill network on a sloping field during a rainstorm. This method was developed by combining characteristic geometric models, which are functions of the link magnitude and have rill link characteristic parameters, with a sediment yield prediction model proposed previously. By applying the functions to the study rill networks, we showed that the characteristic geometric models are valid. The results of this study indicated that the method to predict the sediment yield is effective when a given rill network is well developed and rill erosion is detachment limited within the rill network. This method can be used to predict sediment yield from a rill network on steep slope without the need to compute the erosion along all links within the rill network. The method does not require knowledge of the complete geometry of the rill network, nor tedious calculations when suitable values of the rill link characteristics are given. Moreover, it can analyze the effects of the rill link characteristics on the sediment yield.
