Influence of Grass Vegetation on Water Intake of Pullman Silty Clay Loam

Abstract

Water infiltration rates varied under different plant communities. The soil under blue grama absorbed 8.4 inches of water in a 2-hour period compared with 5.6 inches for windmill grass, 3.8 inches for annual weeds and 2.1 inches for buffalograss. High positive correlations existed between water intake and the amount of standing vegetation, litter, and litter and vegetation combined.