2.2. Experimental design
A total of 18 erosion plots (22.1*1.83 m2) were placed on rangeland hillslopes with a mean slope of 18–23°. In each NW, S, W and East facing slope three erosion plots were installed except for a north facing slope with 6 plots (Fig. 1). To prevent runoff from adjacent areas, galvanized steel plates were buried 10–15 cm deep in the ground around the perimeter of each plot. Runoff and associated sediment were collected in a 750 liter tank at the lower end of each plot.