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Abstract
Objective: To estimate the water erosion rate in the La Ciénega Microbasin in Malinaltepec, Guerrero, Mexico, and to evaluate control options.Design/methodology/approach: Potential erosion rate, actual erosion rate, and erosion control were estimated using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) under three conservation practices: contour plowing, successive land terracing, and live terracing with vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty). Results: High erosion potential is shown by 99.18% of the microbasin surface area. Due to vegetation, only 41% of the surface area demonstrates high or very high actual erosion, 53.6% light, and 4.6% moderate. A living barrier using vetiver is the only conservation practice, of those assessed, that effectively diminished erosion.Study limitations/implications: The lack of accurate data on rain-induced erosion was a limiting factor in this study. Findings/conclusions: The La Ciénega Microbasin has a high risk of erosion and current erosion is a problem on agricultural land. The most effective option is living barriers using vetiver.