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Changes in Infiltration Under Alfalfa as Influenced by Time and Wheel Traffic
Author(s) -
Meek B. D.,
Rechel E. A.,
Carter L. M.,
DeTar W. R.
Publication year - 1989
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/sssaj1989.03615995005300010042x
Subject(s) - infiltration (hvac) , loam , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , agronomy , soil science , soil water , biology , geology , geotechnical engineering , geography , meteorology
Abstract Infiltration rates were measured for alfalfa, ( Medicago sativa L., cv. WL514) subjected to treatments where wheel traffic was varied in terms of area covered and time of application on a Wasco sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, nonacid thermic Xeric Torriorthent). Traffic treatments were (i) No‐traffic, (ii) Preplant, (iii) Repeated, and (iv) traffic similar to what a grower would apply. Infiltration rates increased for all treatments, with increases being 240% for treatments without harvest traffic and 140% for treatments with harvest traffic. Increases in infiltration were related to decreases in stand density. Slight packing (traffic) applied before the soil was flood‐irrigated in 1983 increased infiltration rates 20% compared to flooding loosened soil (no traffic). Harvest traffic resulted in slower water movement in the soil.