Streambank stability and cattle grazing in southwestern Montana
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Authors: C. B. Marlow, T. M. Pogacnik, and S. D. Quinsey
Date: 1987
Journal: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Volume: 42
Number: 4
Pages: 291-296
Summary of Methods: The relationship between timing of cattle grazing and riparian degradation was examined along the Cottonwood Creek watershed in southwestern Montana. Nine paddocks with equal amounts of upland and riparian communities were created and assigned to one of nine treatments (ungrazed control, late June grazing, early or late July grazing, early or late August grazing, early or late September grazing , or early October grazing). Cattle grazed each paddock for a total of 14 days. The moisture content of the stream bank, stream flow and the timing of grazing were recorded for the nine paddocks. Channel profile changes, grazing periods, measurement interval, streambank moisture, streamflow, and cattle use-levels were measured before and after grazing.
Article Summary / Main Points: The magnitude and extent of channel change and pattern of cattle use in watershed declined from late June until early October. Channel profile changes in paddocks grazed after early August when banks had dried were not different from those in ungrazed paddocks. Soil moisture levels declined throughout the grazing season which limited streambank impact during late summer and early fall as high soil moisture levels during late June and early July allowed streambanks to be more easily altered by cattle.. The combination of high flow, moist streambanks, and cattle use led to significant streambank alteration. Comparison of riparian and upland use patterns indicated no difference in pattern of use between the two areas.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 43B Central Rocky Mountains 44A Northern Rocky Mountain Valleys
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Streams
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: trampling, streambank moisture content, stream channel profile, erosion, deposition, high water flows
Annotation: The results from with study are widely applicable to all riparian areas relating grazing season and streambank damage. The lack of replication within this study is of concern but it is minimized by the fact that there was a steady trend between the sites along the gradient. Additional research examining the impact of time of grazing on streambank and channel profile across several riparian zones with differing soil types and climatic patterns is important. Until this information base is developed, a generally applicable livestock management strategy to protect streambanks could be to defer grazing until mid- to late-summer rather than excluding livestock.
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