Planning and Protocols for Sampling

Before using the CSSI technique, there should be a clear understanding of the objectives of the proposed study and a written plan of what has to be done to achieve those objectives. The best approach is to write down the goals of the investigation and include a map or sketch a diagram of the study site being investigated. Understanding the issues and potential problems before going into the field will avoid subsequent errors due to incorrect sampling. CSSI studies can be undertaken for specific purposes and these may be: 1. Spatial investigations, e.g. what are the sources of soil, by land use, contributing to eroded sediments? 2. Temporal investigations, e.g. what are the effects of climate variability on soil erosion in upland agro-ecosystems? 3. Historical investigations, e.g. has there been any change in land use sources being eroded during major flood events? Each type of investigation has its own set of protocols but they all begin with careful planning and are based on one clear research question.