Grasslands and flood mitigation – Contrasting forages improve surface water infiltration rates

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175598
• Publication Date: 2024-08-17T15:28:34Z
• Authors: Christina L. Marley; Rhun Fychan; John W. Davies; Mark Scott; Felicity V. Crotty; Ruth Sanderson; John Scullion
• Keywords: Trifolium repens; Cichorium; Red Clover; Infiltration (HVAC)

Grasslands globally deliver many ecosystem services, including water management to alleviate flood risk reduction. Two replicated field experiments were conducted study how agricultural forage species with diverse rooting systems, sown as single species, affected rooting, soil structure and earthworm populations, consequently infiltration understand they each might influence from grasslands. Experiment One showed soils under red clover (Trifolium pratense), white repens) chicory (Cichorium intybus) had higher rates three years after establishment, compared perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Higher root biomass or increased abundance may have caused these effects. monitored at intervals over several post establishment the timeframe for changes in rates; plantain (Plantago lanceolata) was an additional forage. Infiltration declined timing extent of decline varying forages; effects significant 27 months (P < 0.05). ryegrass, intermediate Forages again differed likely mechanisms delivering infiltration, notably between two species. White 0.05), whereas a average diameter other forages Drivers benefits also differed: (month 38) plantain, which 41); 30 post-establishment bulk density lower both clover, 0.05); penetration resistance did not relate infiltration. Findings demonstrate that shift ryegrass-dominated pastures swards more contrasting provides ecohydrological approach mitigating climate adaptation.