In China, studies on the Loess Plateau and the northeast utilised caesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) tracing to precisely measure soil erosion rates and identify their sources. This technique, which measures the distribution of ¹³⁷Cs in the soil profile, allows scientists to determine the rates and patterns of soil movement. As a direct result of the subsequent implementation of targeted conservation measures, soil erosion rates were dramatically reduced by 16 to 80 percent, demonstrating the efficacy of nuclear-informed interventions.
In Indonesia, where soils are highly susceptible to erosion, ¹³⁷Cs tracing identified critical land degradation “hot spots” in the Pasir Buncir catchment area. The implementation of conservation measures, guided by this data, led to a reduction in the soil erosion rate of over 50 percent at the catchment level, showcasing the power of precise targeting.
In northern Malaysia, specifically the Timah Tasoh river catchment area, sedimentation from soil erosion was deteriorating water quality in the main reservoir. Sediment tracing using radionuclides enabled precise measurement of the sedimentation rate and identified agricultural land as the primary source (55 percent) of sediments. This technique involves analyzing the isotopic composition of sediments to determine their origin and movement patterns. The application of appropriate soil conservation practices, informed by this data, effectively reduced soil erosion and extended the reservoir’s lifespan.
In Pakistan, the severely eroded Potwar Plateau saw a 53 percent reduction in soil erosion rates after adopting appropriate conservation practices, informed by ¹³⁷Cs tracing. This was crucial due to the region’s steep topography, deforestation, and extreme monsoon rains.
Finally, in Vietnam, where three-quarters of the land is prone to high soil erosion, a study in the Lamdong region used ¹³⁷Cs tracing at 27 sites to measure erosion rates. The adoption of conservation practices like intercropping and terracing, guided by these measurements, led to a 45 percent reduction in soil erosion. These targeted interventions, guided by specific nuclear techniques like ¹³⁷Cs tracing and sediment tracing, demonstrated the power of the methodology to address land degradation.