the influence of treatment and slope length on rate of runoff from Collington sandy loam

Abstract

In conjunction with the measurement of total soil and water losses from different soil treatments and slope lengths, data were also collected on rate of runoff from four plot areas. These included three 70‐foot slope lengths consisting of untreated, annual cover crop, and annual manure treatments, and one 210‐foot slope on an untreated area. Tabular data are presented for five representative storms showing maximum rates of precipitation and runoff, and the total periods of time during which rain fell and runoff occurred at rates exceeding 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 in/hr. The data indicate that: (1) The rate of runoff from any particular condition varies with rainfall intensity and with season. (2) Increased slope length under conditions of this study had no consistent effect on rate of runoff. (3) Soil organic matter additions either from cover crop or manure were effective in reducing runoff rate during the growing season. (4) The relative effectiveness of organic matter treatments decreased as rainfall intensity increased. (5) Winter cover crops, under certain conditions, may greatly increase runoff rate from winter storms. (6) Soil‐moisture content at the beginning of the storm has much less influence of rate and amount of runoff from this sandy soil than is the case on many other soil areas.