The effects of broadcast gypsum on infiltration rates, crusting,
aggregate stability, and runoff and sediment yields were analyzed
during the winter months on three West Oregon soils. The results were
used to evaluate its utility as a management tool to help control
erosion.
An application rate of two metric tons per hectare was used in the
first season of testing. No differences were found between treated and
untreated soil for infiltration rates, crust thickness and porosity,
and aggregate stability. Runoff and sediment yields were too variable
to discern differences between treated and untreated soil.
The range of application rates were increased to 4, 8, and 16
metric tons of gypsum per hectare in the second season of testing.
These evaluations were made at one site. The highest rate was used for
comparative purposes with the untreated soil. Infiltration rates were
consistently lower while sediment yields and concentrations were higher
from the treated soil throughout the season. Water stable aggregate
size distribution was lower in the treated soil. It was postulated
that crust strength was reduced by the gypsum application. The soil surface
aggregates from the treated soil were consistently higher in
moisture content. This decreased the infiltration rates and provided
a more erodible condition. Runoff and sediment yields from the erosion
plots were more dependent on vegetative cover than on treatment. / Graduation date: 1981
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/36665 |
| Date | 30 September 1980 |
| Creators | Pronold, Michael Joseph |
| Contributors | Harward, M. E. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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