URBANIZATION FACTORS AFFECTING INFILTRATION

The effects of urbanization on soil structure can be extensive. Infiltration of rain water through soils can be greatly reduced, plus the benefits of infiltration and biofitration devices can be jeopardized. This presentation will be a compilation of results from several recent and on-going research projects that have examined some of these problems, plus possible solutions. Basic infiltration measurements in disturbed urban soils were conducted, along with examining hydraulic and water quality benefits of amending these soils with organic composts during a recent EPA-funded project. We also examined the potential of ground water contamination by intiitrating stormwater (presented in another conference paper). Numerous student projects have also been conduced to examine other aspects of urban soils, especially more detailed tests examining soil density and infiitration during lab-scale tests, and methods and techniques to recover infiltration capacity of urban soils. KEY TERMS: Soil compaction; infiltration; stormwater Soil infiitration capacity was expected to be related to the time since the soil was disturbed by construction or grading operations (turf age). In most new developments, compact soils are expected to be dominant, with reduced infiltration compared to pre-construction conditions. In older areas, the soil may have recovered some of its intiitration capacity due to root structure development and from soil insects and ~~ ~~