Infiltration Rates and Sediment Production of Selected Plant Communities in Nevada

Abstract

Infiltration rates and sediment production of 29 plant communities and soils on five rangeland watersheds were studied in central and eastern Nevada. Three inches per hour of simulated rainfall was applied to soil initially dry and to soil initially at field capacity. Infiltration rates and sediment production for the various plant communities and soils varied considerably within and between watersheds. Highest infiltration rates and lowest sediment production occurred on sites with well-aggregated surface soils free of vesicular porosity.