Title | Soil organisms and rangeland soil hydrological functions |
Publication Type | Conference Proceedings |
Year of Publication | 1998 |
Authors | Herrick JE |
Conference Name | Proceedings of the Pacific Northwest Forest and Rangeland Soil Organism Symposium |
Volume | PNW-GTR-461 |
Pagination | 91-100 |
Date Published | March 17-19, 199 |
Publisher | USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station |
Conference Location | Corvallis, OR |
ARIS Log Number | 129780 |
Keywords | aggregate, ant, available water holding capacity, earthworm, fungi, hydrology, infiltration, invertebrate, rangeland, soil organic mattter, soil structure, soil water, termite |
Abstract | Soil organisms control water distribution in rangelands by creating macropores which rapidly conduct water into the soil, by generating stable soil aggregates which prevent crusting and increase water holding capacity, and by controlling litter decomposition. Ants, termites and earthworms have all been shown to increase infiltration capacity; anecdotal evidence suggests that macropore formation by a variety of other macroinvertebrate may have equally dramatic effects. Macroinvertebrates generate aggregates in the form of fecal pellets. Lichens, mycorrhizal fungi, cyanobacteria and other microorganisms also contribute to aggregate formation and soil surface stabilization. The direct effects of rapid litter decomposition on infiltration and soil water storage in arid and semi-arid rangelands is generally negative: litter removal exposes the surface to raindrop impact, which leads to the formation of physical crusts, and increases evaporation from the soil surface. These negative impacts are balanced by the creation of surface-connected macropores and the incorporation of soil organic matter, resulting in the formation of stable aggregates. |
URL | /files/bibliography/662.pdf |
Custom 1 | Corvallis, OR |