Infiltration Rates on Rootplowed Rangeland

Abstract

Infiltration and runoff from mechanically treated arid Southwestern rangeland were measured. Control plots dominated by creosotebush had greater infiltration rates than the 1972 and 1976 rootplowed and seeded treatments, stressing the importance of cover for reducing runoff and controlling erosion. Infiltration rates on dry soils were significantly higher on the 1972 rootplowed and seeded treatment compared with the 1976 rootplowed and seeded treatment, indicating the lack of soil structure in the 1976 treatment.