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Influence of the Coarse Fraction in Two Maine Potato Soils on Infiltration, Runoff and Erosion¹

ABSTRACT

The influence of the coarse material in Caribou and Thorndike soils on infiltration, runoff and erosion was studied with the use of a laboratory infiltrometer which applied water at 2.5 inches per hour but with energy of impact appreciably less than that in natural rain of the same intensity. Various sized coarse particles were removed from both soils to determine the function of the coarse fraction. There was a significant decrease in the rate of infiltration and likewise an increase in runoff as the particles > 12.7 mm. were removed from both soils. A further decrease in infiltration resulted when all material > 4.76 mm. was removed; however, the fraction between 4.76 mm. and 2.38 mm. did not have a significant effect on infiltration and runoff.

The amount of soil in the runoff from the Caribou sample was found to be nearly proportional to the runoff. It also increased with runoff as the coarse fractions were removed from the Thorndike soil, but there was not a significant increase for the second and third trials on the same sample even though the runoff increased. Some of the practical implications of the coarse fraction are discussed in relation to land use and the possible removal of coarse material for increased mechanization of farming operations.

¹ Contribution from Eastern Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, and the Department of Agronomy, Maine Agr. Exp. Sta. The work reported is in partial fulfillment for the M.S. degree by the senior author at the University of Maine, Orono. Presented before Div. VI, Soil Science Society of America, Aug. 7, 1958, at Lafayette, Ind.

² Soil Scientist, ARS, USDA; and Head, Dept. of Agronomy, respectively.

Received for publication January 23, 1959. Accepted for publication April 1, 1959.