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Infiltration capacity of disturbed soils: temporal change and lithologic control

Journal Article · · Water Resour. Bull.; (United States)
The hydrologic character and response of disturbed land is controlled, to a large degree,by soil infiltration characteristics. Reconstructed soils on surface mines (mine soils) of different age (1 to 4 years old) are used to investigate infiltration rates on disturbed landscapes. The data consist of soil/surface properties and runoff volumes fit to the Horton infiltration equation. Infiltration rates on newly reclaimed mine soils are an order of magnitude lower than adjacent, undisturbed soil. Few significant correlations exist between soil/surface properties and infiltration parameters for newly reclaimed soils. However, the correlation between infiltration and mine soil characteristics increases with soil age. Multiple regressions are used to explore relationships between infiltration parameters and soil/surface properties for each soil age. Regression models of 30-min infiltration volume and the steady-state rate consistently include the percent silt and clay, slope, bulk density, and vegetation. Mean infiltration volumes at different mines are equal in the first year following reclamation, but become significantly different with surface age. The magnitude of the increase is controlled by the soil texture, vegetation, slope, and bulk density. Soil characteristics are determined ultimately by the overburden lithology and its effect on mineralogy and grain size during physical redistribution of soil particles and initial weathering.
Research Organization:
Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-84ER60263
OSTI ID:
7152862
Journal Information:
Water Resour. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resour. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 23:6; ISSN WARBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English