Soil-water infiltration under crops, pasture, and established riparian buffer in Midwestern USA
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Authors: L. Bharati, K. H. Lee, T. M. Isenhart, and R. C. Schultz
Date: 2002
Journal: Agroforestry Systems
Volume: 56
Number: 3
Pages: 249-257
Summary of Methods: Soil-water infiltration rates of established multi-species riparian buffer (MBR), cultivated fields and grazed pasture were examined along Bear Creek in Story County, Iowa (42� 11� N, 93� 30� W). Infiltration rates and bulk density were measured at six treatment sites (silver maple, switch grass, grass, corn, soybean, and continuously grazes pasture). Infiltration rates were measured 3 times from June to November of 1995.
Article Summary / Main Points: Infiltration rates were 5 times greater under the MBR (silver maple, switchgrass and grass) buffers than under cultivated field and grazing pasture conditions. Soil bulk densities were smaller under the multi-species riparian buffer than under the cultivated fields or mixed pastures. When using infiltration as an index, the established multi-species buffer vegetation seemed to improve soil quality after six years.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands Tame Pastures
MLRA Ecoregions: 103 Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Infiltration
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: grazing, riparian forest buffer, switchgrass, panicum virgatum, soil quality, filter strip, conservation buffer
Annotation: The results from this study illustrate how buffers zones with established perennial vegetation have higher infiltration rates than cultivated sites. It also shows the need for additional research on perennial vegetation managed under different grazing systems.
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