Premium
Effects of Grazing on Infiltration Rates in Waste Water Spray Fields
Author(s) -
Pearson George A.,
Jung Gerald A.,
Fowler Richard E.,
Mitchell Donald M.
Publication year - 1975
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/sssaj1975.03615995003900050041x
Subject(s) - dactylis glomerata , environmental science , loam , infiltration (hvac) , ponding , surface runoff , trampling , grazing , agronomy , festuca arundinacea , soil water , drainage , hydrology (agriculture) , poaceae , biology , soil science , ecology , geography , engineering , geotechnical engineering , meteorology
Many food‐processors use grass‐covered sprayfields for treating waste water. These fields are generally mowed one or more times each year. To eliminate mowing costs, such fields could be fenced and used as irrigated pastures. However, since the primary purpose of such fields is waste water treatment, adverse effects on infiltration must be avoided, particularly in areas with shallow soils that cannot be manipulated for overland‐flow. A portion of a food‐processor's wastewater treatment field was fenced and grazed for approximately 5 months during the summer and fall of 2 successive years. The soil series was Sassafras sandy loam and the grass species were ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue [ Festuca elatior var. arundinacea (Schreb.) Wimm.] and orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata , L.). The infiltration rate at saturation was measured frequently throughout the period of grazing. It was found that trampling reduced the infiltration rate from an initial value of 2–2.5 cm/hr to a final value of 0.3 cm/hr. If these fields are to be grazed, it will be necessary to use low wastewater application rates to avoid surface runoff and ponding in low spots.