Abstract
Cryptogamic soil crusts within the Colorado Plateau were studied to determine their effect on i nf i It ration rates, potentia 1 sediment production, permeabi 1 i ty, and several chemical properties of the soi I. Six different crust stages were identified. Undisturbed soil cores were used to determine intrinsic permeability under three treatments and disturbed soil samples were ana l yzed for pH, percent organic matter, soil texture, Ca+Mg content and tota l conductivity. It was found that the cryptogamic crust had 1 ittle effect on soil chemica l properties. Analysis of undisturbed soil core data indicates that high cryptogam ic cover tends to decrease intrinsic permeability; this effect was reinforced when cores were i rrigated . Data obtained wit h the Rocky Mountain infiltrometer indicated that sites vlith any degree of cryptogamic cover had significant l y higher infiltration rates than chained areas (no I ichen cover). Patterns of sediment production indicate a potential for increased sediment once the crust has been disturbed. (14 pages)
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