Sediment movement and filtration in a riparian meadow following cattle use
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Authors: R. R. McEldowney, M. Flenniken, G. W. Frasier, M. J. Trlica, and W. C. Leininger
Date: 2002
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 55
Number: 4
Pages: 367-373
Summary of Methods: The effects of cattle grazing and trampling on vegetation and soil surface variables, sediment movement, and filtration in a montane riparian meadow were measured along Sheep Creek in Colorado. Pre- and post-treatment rainfall simulation runs were made on each plot pair approximately 24-hours apart in July and August. Cover, random roughness, stem density, and aboveground biomass were assessed before and after treatment rainfall simulation. Four sediment traps (2 in microchannels and 2 in vegetation islands between microchannels) were placed downstream to identify sediment transport and deposition.
Article Summary / Main Points: Grass stem density decreased by 40% with cattle grazing compared to the control, and forb stem densities were decreased by 50% on trampled and grazed + trampled treatments compared to control. The grazed + trampled treatment had the lowest average stem density. These differences imply that, the hoof impact changes plant stem density less than actual animal grazing. This decreased stem density can lead to increased microchannel runoff and sediment movement. In grazed plots, above-ground biomass was 60% less than ungrazed control plots. Most sediment deposition occurred within 1 m on the vegetated areas (i.e., islands) between micro-channels. Over the entire plot, control and mowed treatments filtered out about 90% of the applied sediment within 10 m of application. On trampled plots, 84% of the applied sediment was trapped within 10 m of application. On grazed plots, 77% of the applied sediment was trapped within 10 m of application.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 48A Southern Rocky Mountains 48B Southern Rocky Mountain Parks
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: vegetation filter strip, stem density, rainfall simulation, nps pollution, grazing, trampling
Annotation: The findings of this study are applicable to riparian meadows and most rangelands in western North America. As this was only a one-year study, the long-term effects of grazing management still need to be addressed.
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