Changes in Infiltration Under Alfalfa as Influenced by Time and Wheel Traffic

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Abstract
Infiltration rates were measured for alfalfa, (Medicago sativa L., cv. WL514) subjected to treatments where wheel traffic was varied in terms of area covered and time of application on a Wasco sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, nonacid thermic Xeric Torriorthent). Traffic treatments were (i) No‐traffic, (ii) Preplant, (iii) Repeated, and (iv) traffic similar to what a grower would apply. Infiltration rates increased for all treatments, with increases being 240% for treatments without harvest traffic and 140% for treatments with harvest traffic. Increases in infiltration were related to decreases in stand density. Slight packing (traffic) applied before the soil was flood‐irrigated in 1983 increased infiltration rates 20% compared to flooding loosened soil (no traffic). Harvest traffic resulted in slower water movement in the soil.