Evaluation of the Effects of Reduced Transpiration Upon Soil Moisture Retention in an Aspen Stand Throughout the Growing Season in Northern Utah

摘要

The direct effects of chemically-induced reduced transpiration on soil moisture were studied in a subwatershed of the greater Logan River drainage, Utah. No statistically significant differences occurred among the total amounts of water transpired by the treated and control units. The seasonal low points of soil moisture, in September, showed no significant differences in final moisture retention for the two years studied, either for the control or the treated portions of the study site. The 1967 season showed a lag in soil moisture depletion compared to the 1966 season. Although a later spring in 1967 may have aided in the explanation of this lag, there was good reason to believe that the antitranspirant treatment incurred a significant delay in water use. There was evidence that more effective application of chemicals might have given more positive results. (wrsic abstract)