Soil infiltration rates on two soils measured at radial distances from the stems of palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum) and creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) were found to average nearly three times greater near the base of plants than in the inter-plant areas. Bulk density was lower and organic carbon content was higher for soil at the surface under plants than in inter-plant areas. Soil under plants often had higher percentages in either the 1-2-mm particle size range or the . 1-. 25-mm particle size range than soil in inter-plant areas. Differences in soil infiltration and soil properties can be attributed, for the most part, to increased biotic activity and deposition by wind under the plants and protection from raindrop action and animal trampling.
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