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Soil crusting in relation to global soil degradation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Malcolm E. Sumner  and
William P. Miller
Malcolm E. Sumner
Affiliation:
Regents' Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
William P. Miller
Affiliation:
Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
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Abstract

The formation of crusts or seals at the soil surface is exceedingly important in determining how much rainfall infiltrates into the soil and how much runs off, causing soil erosion. This paper explores the processes involved in the formation of crusts, such as raindrop impact and clay dispersion, to formulate a picture of the mechanisms involved. We discuss the major consequences of crusting, namely, runoff, erosion, and impaired seedling emergence, and present strategies to reduce soil degradation. Examples are offered from many parts of the world.

Keywords

dispersible clayinfiltrationrunofferosion
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 7 , Issue 1-2: Special Issue on Soil Quality , June 1992 , pp. 56 - 62
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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