Soil Science Society of America Journal · 1978 · 37 citations · 0 references
Natural ResourcesEcologySoil SciencesSoil EcologySoil ScienceTerrestrial EcologyForest CoverInfiltration In Forest SoilsMulching PracticesSediment RetentionSoil ErosionSurface RunoffInfiltration RateLand Use Effects On InfiltrationMulchingRunoff LossesSediment Loss ReductionSoil Infiltration RateSurface Runoff HydrologyTree Mulching
Abstract Simulated rainfall was used to test the relationship between sediment in runoff and percent of the soil that was mulch covered. Oak leaves ( Quercus Douglasii H. & A.), redwood litter ( Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.) and oat straw ( Avena barbata Brot.) were used as mulches on a 0.37m 2 plot of Auburn (loamy, mixed, thermic, Ruptic‐Lithic Xerochrepts) surface soil at a 9% slope. Cover percentage was related to sediment in surface runoff by a parabolic relationship. The relationship between redwood and oak covers and sediment in runoff was not significantly different, but both were significantly different from oat straw. Cover shape or distribution of inter‐cover space appears to be important in affecting sediment loss. Runoff volume was significantly reduced by high cover levels which protected the soil from sealing and helped maintain a high infiltration rate.