HR: 0800h
AN: H21E-1402    [Abstracts]
TI: Hydrologic Impacts of a Surface-Applied, Organic Emulsion on Arid Soils
AU: * Young, M H
EM: michael.young@dri.edu
AF: Desert Research Institute, 755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 United States
AU: Caldwell, T G
EM: todd.caldwell@dri.edu
AF: Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512 United States
AU: Goreham, J
EM: jgoreham@dri.edu
AF: Desert Research Institute, 755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 United States
AU: Meadows, D G
EM: darren.meadows@dri.edu
AF: Desert Research Institute, 755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 United States
AU: Shafer, D S
EM: david.shafer@dri.edu
AF: Desert Research Institute, 755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 United States
AU: Miller, J J
EM: juliejm@dri.edu
AF: Desert Research Institute, 755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119 United States
AU: McDonald, E V
EM: eric.mcdonald
AF: Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512 United States
AB: In-place stabilization of environmental contaminants over land areas poses interesting logistical challenges, especially when considering the impact of the stabilizing agent on soil hydrologic processes like infiltration and surface runoff. As one part of a larger field-based study, we investigated the potential hydrologic impacts of using an organic-based emulsion which was designed to stabilize disturbed and undisturbed desert soils. The emulsion, a blend of organic esters, surfactants, water, and a proprietary chelating agent, was tested at the Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, AZ. The goal of the study was to determine whether, and to what extent, field application of this emulsion altered the soil hydraulic properties and hence the infiltration and runoff potential. A randomized complete block design was used to investigate the effects of soil age (old vs young), treatment concentration (control vs two dilution levels), disturbance level (disturbed vs undisturbed), and time (1 year exposure) on the soil hydraulic properties. Hydraulic properties were determined using a 20 cm diameter tension infiltrometer (triplicate measurements for each treatment combination). Initial results show a significant reduction in the saturated hydraulic conductivity by nearly two orders of magnitude following treatment with the emulsion. Triplicate rainfall simulation experiments were also conducted on the test plots to investigate rainfall-runoff processes. Results immediately following treatment show a reduced time to ponding and a higher potential for surface runoff. Tests conducted quarterly for one year after application, however, indicate that hydrologic impacts diminished with time. Targeted laboratory tests are ongoing to better identify the breakdown mechanisms of the emulsion. The field and laboratory results will help guide larger-scale field applications based on actual field conditions.
DE: 1838 Infiltration
DE: 1865 Soils (0486)
DE: 1866 Soil moisture
DE: 1875 Vadose zone
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005