Graduate College Of Texas-Msc Thesis-Grazing System Effects on Infiltration Rates in Kenya-D.S.Mbakaya 1985

Abstract

A drip-typed rainfall simulator was used to assess effects of grazing systems and vegetation on infiltration rates and sediment production at Buchuma Range Research Station, Kenya. Four livestock grazing treatments were studied: high intensity low frequency, rotation, moderate continuous and nongrazing. A combination of cattle and goats were utilized in each treatment. Two vegetation types and bare ground were also studied: Calories roxbughiana, Grewia bieolor and bare ground (unvegetated). The study objectives were to determine (1) the influences of high intensity low frequency (HILF), rotation grazing (RG), moderate continuous grazing (MCG) and livestock exclosure (EXC) on infiltration rates and sediment production, (2) the influence of HILF and RG on vegetation, (3) the influence of Grewia bieolor, Chloris ,roxbu-ghiana and bare ground on infiltration rates and sediment production, (4) interrelationships of plant standing crop and cover, soil bulk density, organic matter, soil moisture content, texture, aggregate stability and microrelief with infiltration rates and sediment production.