Infiltration Rate and Sediment Production Trends on a Plowed Big Sagebrush Site

Abstract

The trend was toward lowered infiltration rates following plowing and seeding of a big sagebrush site. The greatest decline occurred during the fall period of the second year following treatment. Sediment production rates increased following plowing, but yields were variable. The ability to predict infiltration rates using cover characteristics alone in multiple regression equations varied with time, both within a given storm event and also on a seasonal basis. Ability to predict infiltration rates was not particularly affected by the plowing treatment.