Water Harvesting Efficiencies of Four Soil Surface Treatments

Abstract

Water harvesting efficiency of four soil surface treatments was studied for 5 years at Gillette, Wyoming, and the Central Plains Experimental Range near Nunn, Colorado. The surface treatments consisted of rangeland, salt (NaCl), plastic covered with pea gravel, and asphalt roll roofing. Average water harvesting efficiencies ranged from 5% on rangeland at Gillette to 105% from the asphalt roll roofing treatment at the Central Plains Experimental Range. Spring and fall snowstorms resulted in water harvesting efficiencies of over 100% at the Central Plains Experimental Range. Precipitation was highest in April, May, and June and lowest in August.