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Compaction of Desert Soils by Off-Road Vehicles

  • Chapter
Environmental Effects of Off-Road Vehicles

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Environmental Management ((SSEM))

Abstract

The use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) is widespread and a recognized management problem in the deserts of the southwestern United States and elsewhere (Sheridan, 1980). One of the most important and long-lasting effects of ORV use is the compaction of soil caused by the force of rolling wheels. Compaction can be defined as the application of forces to a soil mass which results in an increase in density and strength. Soil compaction is known to be a contributing factor to accelerated soil erosion (Snyder et al., 1976; see Chapter 5) and a cause of decreased plant growth (see Chapters 7 and 13) in deserts. Hence, a quantitative prediction of soil compaction is of fundamental importance in the formulation of management plans designed to minimize adverse impacts of ORVs on soils.

Whenever you put a foot down on forest or range land, you are—to a degree—compacting the soil. The hooves of cattle, the wheels of vehicles, the weight of a dragged log; these can compact the soil too. Soil compaction is a common and universal process. (Lull, 1959)

The views and conclusions contained in this chapter are based on the author’s studies or experiences and do not necessarily represent the official viewpoint or policy of any U.S. government agency.

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Authors
  1. Robert H. Webb
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    Robert H. Webb

  2. U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California, 94025, USA

    Howard G. Wilshire

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Webb, R.H. (1983). Compaction of Desert Soils by Off-Road Vehicles. In: Webb, R.H., Wilshire, H.G. (eds) Environmental Effects of Off-Road Vehicles. Springer Series on Environmental Management. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5454-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5454-6_4

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