The impact of falling raindrops on a soil surface (splash effect) is generally seen as the first stage of the soil erosion process. The kinetic energy of a raindrop ejects soil particles and is able to transport them over distances up to 1.2 m. Interrill or sheet erosion occurs subsequently when the soil surface becomes saturated with water and loosened soil particles are transported by overland flow outside concentrated flow paths. It has been shown that soil structure and composition, (micro-)topography and, even more importantly, vegetation patterns such as plant architecture or leaf shapes strongly influence the initiation of soil erosion processes. Yet, the complex mechanisms behind those processes are still not fully understood.

This session aims to illustrate recent progress in research on the implications of splash and interrill processes on sediment transport and surface runoff. Furthermore, influences of soil physical properties, topography and particularly vegetation on those processes as well as their relevance for erosion control are addressed.

We strongly encourage early career scientists to present their research, but also ideas, questions or new approaches, which can then be discussed during the PICO-session.