Assessment of hydro-pedological characteristics at medium-sized landslide sites in Manafwa catchment, Mount Elgon, Uganda

Abstract

Though strongly linked to landslides, hydro-pedological characteristics are inadequately investigated in the area. This study investigated hydro-pedological characteristics at medium landslide sites in Manafwa catchment. The design had twelve (12) infiltration experiments that were conducted at each site. To determine the selected soil physical properties, composite soil samples were extracted from the infiltration sites for soil laboratory analysis. Soil cores were extracted to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and bulk density. The observed high values of IR and rapid Ksat underscore the susceptibility of the studied sites to landslide hazards. Additionally, soil organic matter (SOM), clay content, and bulk density further contribute to the understanding of the hydro-pedological factors influencing landslide occurrences. These findings reveal the need for comprehensive investigations into hydro-pedological characteristics of other landslide categories to assist in landslide risk assessment and management strategies.