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The Effects of Various Rates of Surface Mulch on Infiltration and Erosion
Author(s) -
Mannering J. V.,
Meyer L. D.
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1963.03615995002700010029x
Subject(s) - mulch , loam , surface runoff , infiltration (hvac) , environmental science , erosion , acre , straw , hydrology (agriculture) , silt , soil water , agronomy , soil science , geology , agroforestry , geotechnical engineering , materials science , ecology , paleontology , biology , composite material
The effects of six rates of applied wheat straw mulch on infiltration and erosion were studied on a highly permeable Wea silt loam with 5% slope. Series of simulated rainstorms totaling 6.25 inches at an intensity of 2.5 inches per hour were used to evaluate the treatments. Mulch applications of 1, 2, and 4 tons per acre maintained very high infiltration rates resulting in essentially no erosion. The ¼‐ and ½‐ton mulch application lost 3 tons and 1 ton of soil per acre, respectively, whereas the check (no mulch) treatment lost 12 tons per acre. Benefits which were indicated from the mulching were: (1) reduced soil surface sealing as evidenced by higher infiltration rates, and (2) decreased rainfall and runoff energy for particle detachment and transport as evidenced by reduced soil content in the runoff.