Abstract
Soil moisture conservation and combating soil erosion on agricultural fields are the highest priorities for crop production in arid lands. In this research, the effect of land application of rock fragments on runoff, soil loss, and vegetative cover on a silt loam soil has been tested under natural rainfall conditions. Field plots of 2m wide by 10m long were prepared in two locations with a deposit installed at the downstream end of the plots to collect runoff and sediments after each storm during the 2004/2005 winter season. Three treatments were used in the experiments in duplicates including plots covered with 5% and 15% stone and a control. Experimental results showed that rock fragments were highly effective in reducing runoff and soil loss. Runoff depth from plots covered with rock fragments at a rate of 5% and 15% was reduced by 17% and 30% compared to the control, respectively. The corresponding reductions in soil loss for both stone treatment levels were as high as 35% and 53%, respectively. The average soil moisture measured at the center of the plots during the entire season was always higher for stone treated plots and increased with stone coverage percentage compared to control. Consequently, vegetative cover was higher in the plots with 5% rock fragments cover. For higher stone coverage of 15%, rock fragments occupy more soil surface area and, therefore, reduce the space available for vegetation.