SOIL CONTAINING ROCK FRAGMENTS - EFFECTS ON INFILTRATION

Infiltration is a very complex process. Rock fragments affect infiltration by their presence in the soil matrix and on the soil surface. Procedures for quantifying soil and surface rock fragments are reviewed. Within the soil the physical properties and hydraulic properties that affect infiltration are shown to be influenced by rock fragments. Physical properties discussed are bulk density, porosity and water content. Hydraulic properties that affect infiltration are water retention, saturated conductivity and unsaturated conductivity. Rock fragments on the soil surface have been reported to both increase or decrease infiltration rates and amounts.