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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #142787
Title: RANGELAND SOIL QUALITY: AGGREGATE STABILITY (RANGELAND SHEET 3)

Author
item Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff
item TUGEL, ARLENE - USDA-NRCS
item SHAVER, P - USDA-NRCS
item PELLANT, M - USDI-BLM

Submitted to: Soil Quality Information Sheets
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2001
Publication Date: 5/1/2001
Citation: HERRICK, J.E., TUGEL, A.J., SHAVER, P.L., PELLANT, M. RANGELAND SOIL QUALITY: AGGREGATE STABILITY. SOIL QUALITY INFORMATION SHEET. 2001. RANGELAND SHEET 3.

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive summary not required for government publications.

Technical Abstract: Soil aggregates are groups of soil particles that are bound to each other more strongly than to adjacent particles. Aggregate stability refers to the ability of aggregates to resist degradation. Additions of organic matter to the soil enhance the stability of aggregates. Raindrops, flowing water, and windblown sand grains can break apart soil aggregates, exposing organic matter to decomposition and loss. Stable aggregates are critical to erosion resistance, water availability, and root growth. Aggregate stability in rangelands is commonly measured on soil samples removed from the top one-fourth to one-half inch of the soil. This part of the soil is most likely to be removed by wind or water erosion. Deeper samples can also be analyzed. Samples should be collected both from beneath plants and from spaces between plants. Several samples should be collected from each area. The stability of aggregates is affected by soil properties that change relatively little and by properties that change in response to changes in vegetation and management. As a result, measurements of the aggregate stability of a given soil should be compared only with measurements for the same or similar soils with similar textures. Improving the productivity of rangeland through good range management normally increases aggregate stability. Include practices that maintain the optimum amount of live vegetation and litter in order to maintain the content of organic matter and soil structure and control erosion; decrease the number and size of bare areas; and, minimize soil surface disturbances, especially in arid areas.