Tracked Vehicle Traffic Effects on the Hydrologic Characteristics of Central Texas Rangeland.
Abstract
The initial change and the temporal recovery pattern of hydrologic, soil, and vegetation characteristics following tracked vehicle passage were documented. Treatments included wet and dry soil moisture conditions at the time of vehicle passage and tracking intensities of 0, 1, 4, and 10 passes by a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The study was conducted at Fort Hood, Texas. Tracking on dry soil did not create significantly different infiltration rates or interrill erosion compared to untracked conditions. In contrast, tracking on wet soil created significantly lower infiltration and significantly greater interrill erosion rates, with the initial response and recovery period being greater as the number of vehicle passes increased. Bulk density in the top 50 mm was strongly correlated with infiltration rate immediately following the vehicle traffic. This correlation decreased with the recovery time and the strongest predictive factor became the percent exposed soil. This change can be attributed to the natural amelioration of soil structure and the replacement of bunchgrasses by annual grasses and forbs that provided less cover. After 2 years the soil structure, vegetation cover, and standing crop had recovered to the point that no significant difference existed between treatments in terms of infiltration rate or interrill erosion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293337
Entities
People
- Deirdre H. Carlson
- Steven D. Warren
- Thomas L. Thurow
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory