Effects of root developments and vegetation cover on soil water infiltration

Abstract

Root development and vegetation cover have significant impact towards its effect on soil water infiltration in improving the soil condition and reduce rainwater run-off. In achieving this, a research experimental study was conducted in a laboratory involving controlled conditions such as temperature and rainfall. Rainfall Simulator Apparatus provided various rainfall intensities ranging from 0.2 l/m to 1.0 l/m. The experimental soil was compacted in an Infiltration Setup designed in a gradual slope condition. This research studied the amount and the pattern of soil water infiltration and run-off depending on the impact of continuous development of roots and the amount of vegetation coverage. Several experiments: Run-off experiment, Bare soil experiment and Vegetated soil cover experiments at three different vegetation maturity were conducted and the data obtained from each were calibrated and analysed upon completion. Results indicated that vegetation cover and root development does have positive correlation in soil water infiltration. Finding shows that the greater the rainwater intensity the greater the amount of run-off and less soil water infiltration. Furthermore, the finding confirmed that the amount of run-off in bare soil was significantly higher than those soil with vegetation cover and infiltration volume was significantly higher in soil with vegetation coverage rather than those with bare soil.