Influence of Pine Bark Mulch and Salvia farinacea on Stormwater Runoff and Leachate from Simulated Landscape Soil Boxes

Application of mulch and modification to soil structure resulting from plant root growth can alter landscape hydrology and influence runoff and leachate volume production.  To examine these relationships in a simulated residential landscape, 18 lysimeters were filled with three sandy soil compositions representative of those found in newly constructed residential communities in Central Florida.  Pine bark mulch was applied to the soil surface and Salvia farinacea were transplanted within each lysimeter.  Precipitation designed to mimic natural rainfall was applied at an intensity of 1.3 cm per hour for a duration of 15 minutes to simulate local historical weather data.  Relationships between presence of mulch, plant growth, and soil texture as they influenced partitioning between stormwater runoff and leachate will be discussed.