Flash grazing and trampling: Effects on infiltration rates and sediment yield on a selected New Mexico range site
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Authors: M. Weltz, M. K. Wood, and E. E. Parker
Date: 1989
Journal: Journal of Arid Environments
Volume: 16
Number:
Pages: 95-100
Summary of Methods: This study evaluated the influence of flash grazing and livestock trampling on selected hydrologic variables, on the Rio Bonito watershed in central New Mexico. Mean terminal infiltration rates, after flash grazing and trampling, were only 25% of the rates before applying livestock to the sites in May. By August, the rates were only 32% of those before. Infiltration rates significantly decreased from May to August in untreated plots, but there was no significant difference after treatment by livestock from May to August. Sediment production was 10 times higher after treatment in May than before treatment, and was 13 times higher in August. Results from this study suggest that flash grazing and hoof action or trampling, that occur as a result of grazing systems, may decrease infiltration rates and increase sediment yields. Resting a pasture 110 days in the summer was not enough time for the plants within the enclosure to return to pretreatment levels.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: flash grazing, new mexico, trampling, infiltration rates, sediment yield, cattle, bulk density
Annotation: None
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