Infiltration and Sediment Production on a Deep Hardland Range Site in North Central Texas

Abstract

Greatest infiltration rate and lowest sediment production occurred in the honey mesquite canopy zone. Infiltration on shortgrass interspace areas was about one-half of the canopy zone rate. Terminal infiltration rates within the canopy zone and shortgrass interspace areas were affected little by brush control treatments. Infiltration rate improvement due to treatment occurred primarily in the midgrass interspace areas. Water-stable aggregates and the interaction of soil aggregate stability with the amount of bare ground were the dominant factors controlling infiltration. Sediment production on the shortgrass interspace was double that of the canopy zone or midgrass interspace areas. Low rate of sediment production on the midgrass interspace areas occurred on areas aerially sprayed or root plowed 3 years earlier. Sediment production was controlled primarily by an interaction of soil organic matter and amount of above-ground biomass or grass cover.