Detecting channel morphology change in California's hardwood rangeland spring ecosystems
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Authors: B. Allen-Diaz, R. D. Jackson, and J. S. Fehmi
Date: 1998
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 51
Number: 5
Pages: 514-518
Summary of Methods: Changes due to grazing on perennial streams and resultant creeks were estimated with permanent channel cross-sectional transects perpendicular to flow at Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center in California. Pastures containing a perennial spring and resultant creek were assigned to one of three cattle grazing treatments (no grazing, light grazing, moderate grazing) for 5 years. Cattle grazed following autumn germination, were removed for the winter and returned for spring season. Annual cross-section measurements were made prior to fall precipitation.
Article Summary / Main Points:
•There was no effect of grazing on total change in channel morphology over the 5 year study period.
•There was more change on ungrazed springs and creeks than grazed springs and creeks although these differences were not statistically significant.
•Effects of cattle tramping on grazed springs and creek channels were visually observed but this effect was undetected with the channel cross-section measurements.
•Permanent channel cross-sections may not detect channel changes in low-flow spring/creek systems due to grazing.Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern) Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 18 Sierra Nevada Foothills
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: riparian, creek, stream, livestock, cattle, grazing, cross-section
Annotation: The results from this replicated 5 year study are highly relevant across the US as agencies are (were) encouraging the use of permanent channel cross-sections to measure the effect of livestock grazing on riparian areas. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, type of herbivore, weather conditions and season of use.
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