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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #109786
Title: SOIL EROSION, INFILTRATION AND RUNOFF AS AFFECTED BY SOIL SURFACE PROCESSES

Author
item VENTURA, EUSEBIO - UNIV. QUERETARO, MEXICO
item Norton, Lloyd
item OROPEZA, J - INST. OF NATL RES., MEXIC

Submitted to: National Association of Specialists in Irrigation
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/2/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Runoff, infiltration and soil erosion are influenced by the interactions between rainfall and soil surface conditions. Studying the processes associated with the generation of runoff and movement of sediment on land surfaces will help develop new approaches for managing soils to maintain sustainable production and environmental integrity. This study was conducted to evaluate soil erosion, runoff and infiltration in a highly erodible indurated volcanic soil from Mexico with different surface conditions modified by soil management practices and applying soil amendments. Natural and simulated rainfall conditions were used. Traditional methods of managing volcanic indurated soils with deep ripping and cultivation increased soil erosion. Soil loss of reclaimed soils had annual values of 46.7 Mg ha*1, while the naturally undisturbed soil produced 8.4 Mg ha*1. The use of a cover crop in conjunction with conventional methods of reclamation reduced total soil loss in about 85%. Surface cover reduced soil erosion from 57 - 65% in reclaimed soils. No significant reduction was found when soil cover was used in the naturally undisturbed soils. In interrill areas, surface application of gypsum consistently increased infiltration and reduced runoff, soil loss, and sediment concentration. Soil aggregates resisted physical and chemical disintegration reducing surface sealing and promoting greater infiltration. Rill erosion by concentrated flow was practically zero when polyacrylamide (PAM) was applied. The use of soil amendments to reduce surface sealing, increase infiltration and reduce soil erosion appears to be a viable management method for reclaiming highly erodible indurated volcanic soils from Mexico at a lower cost.