| Title | Contribution of ant activity to spatial variability in hydrologic properties in the Chihuahuan Desert |
| Publication Type | Conference Paper |
| Year of Publication | 1995 |
| Authors | Herrick JE, Whitford WG |
| Conference Name | American Society of Agronomy Meeting |
| Date Published | October 29-Novem |
| Keywords | ant activity, Chihuahuan Desert, hydrologic properties, macropores, spatial variability |
| Abstract | The activity of soil fauna is frequently cited as a factor contributing to the spatial variability of arid rangeland soils in the southwestern United States. However, few studies have correlated differences in soil physical properties with the activity of specific soil organisms. In order to quantify the contribution of ant activity to spatial variability in surface macroporosity, infiltration rates under ponding and under tension at the center and margins of harvester ant (Pogonomyrmexrugosus) nests were compared with rates in adjacent, nonvegetated control sites. Both saturated hydraulic conductivity and the difference between saturated and unsaturated conductivity were highest at the nest centers. These results illustrate the role of ants in the creation of macropores capable of conducting water under conditions of overland flow. The results will be discussed with respect to patterns and densities of ant nests in the Chihuahaun Desert. |
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Science-based management strategies for sustainability of agriculture and other land uses
