Erosional effects of cattle on streambanks in Tennessee, U.S.A.
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Authors: S. W. Trimble
Date: 1994
Journal: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Volume: 19
Number: 5
Pages: 451-464
Summary of Methods: A six year, controlled study from June to February was conducted along Jenkins Creek, Tennessee to investigate morphological differences between ungrazed streambanks and those grazed in accordance with regional management practice. A perennial stream reach was divided into three sub-reaches; each sub-reach received one of three grazing treatments (control, grazed with unlimited stream access all season and a grazed channel pond). Mechanical erosion and bank scouring were measured.
Article Summary / Main Points: Uncontrolled grazing had nearly six times more gross bank erosion than the ungrazed stream. Most of this erosion was due to the breakdown of banks by trampling and consequent erosion, rather than by bank scouring caused by removal of bank vegetation due to grazing. The grazed channel pond reduced the gross bank erosion by about 50%.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 128 Southern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys 130B Southern Blue Ridge
Agrovoc Control Words: Watershed management Grazing Erosion
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: fluvial geomorphology, streambank erosion, biogeomorphology, catchment, watershed management, riparian zone
Annotation: This non-replicated case study was conducted over 6 years and its findings are only applicable to areas similar to Jenkins Creek, Tennessee. Each treatment was also not independent of each other limiting the widespread applicability of this study. It should be noted that these findings may prove to be applicable to a wider location but any extrapolations beyond the conditions specified should be performed with extreme care and appropriate monitoring applied. Additionally, Trimble and Mendel (1995, Geomorphology 13:233-253) wrote a scientific synthesis on how cattle effect the geomorphology of riparian zones.
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