Stream bank erosion adjacent to riparian forest buffers, row-crop fields, and continuously-grazed pastures along Bear Creek in central Iowa
-
-
Authors: G. N. Zaimes, R. C. Schultz, and T. M. Isenhart
Date: 2004
Journal: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Volume: 59
Number: 1
Pages: 19-27
Summary of Methods: Stream bank erosion rates and total soil loss were measured and compared monthly over one year from June to June along a continuous reach of Bear creek in central Iowa under 3 management strategies (riparian forest buffers, row-crop fields and continuous grazing (May to October)). The stream reach used in this study was classified and divided into meandering or channelized. Meandering subreaches were classified based on management (riparian forest buffers, row crops or continuous grazing). All channelized reaches were managed for row cropping. Erosion pins were used to measure the rate of erosion at each site.
Article Summary / Main Points: High levels of stream bank erosion and total soil loss occurred under intensive row-cropping followed by intensive continuous grazing. Lowest levels of stream bank erosion and total soil loss were shown in riparian forest buffers. Stream bank erosion was reduced considerably by riparian forest buffer vegetation with perennial roots. The reduction in stream bank erosion was estimated to be 72%, if the 6- to 9-year old riparian forest buffers were in place along all the row-crop fields and continuously-grazed pastures.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 103 Central Iowa and Minnesota Till Prairies
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Erosion
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: bank soil loss, bulk density, channelization, eroding bank length, fluid entrainment, freeze/thaw
Annotation: This replicated two year study and its findings can be applied to many riparian areas. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, species, level and season of use, and weather conditions. Caution should be used when applying the specifics of this study as each treatment was not independent of each other, though trends should be consistent across many riparian areas.
-
Direct link not available.
-