Infiltration rate in andisols: Effect of changes in vegetation cover (Tenerife, Spain)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Soil erosion and infiltration are influenced by chemical, mineralogical, and physical soil properties. Typically, erosion increases with decreasing infiltration. Undisturbed Andisols are considered to be highly stable and resistant to water erosion. A wide variety of Andisols can be found on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). The objective of the present paper was to determine the infiltration rate of five Andisols and assess the influence of deforestation and a change in vegetation on the infiltration rate. Apparent hydraulic conductivity was measured using a double ring infiltrometer in soils from the Vitrixerands, Hapludands, Haplustands and Fulvudands great groups. The Infiltration rates in the natural soils were very high and in all cases were greater than 130 mm hr−1 (5.1 in hr −1). Harvesting the natural vegetation appeared to increase the bulk density, while also reducing organic matter and the apparent saturated hydraulic conductivity values. Under these conditions erosion can be stimulated.