Hydrologic responses of a montane riparian ecosystem following cattle use
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Authors: M. Flenniken, R. R. McEldowney, W. C. Leininger, G. W. Frasier, and M. J. Trlica
Date: 2001
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 54
Number: 5
Pages: 567-574
Summary of Methods: To better understand the aspects of livestock grazing that lead to riparian and stream degradation, four treatments (grazed and trampled, trampled, mowed and control) were tested along Sheep Creek in the Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado (40° 59.725' N, 105° 43.265' W). Three heifers grazed and trampled (or just trampled) for eight hours, while mowed treatments had vegetation removed to 10 cm with a lawnmower. Simulated rainfall was applied before treatment and then again 24 hours following treatment. Overland flow and runoff were measured for each of the simulated rainfall events. Microtopography, soil bulk density, soil moisture, organic matter, vegetation density and biomass, basal stem widths, and microchannels were measured in the plots before and after treatments.
Article Summary / Main Points: Microtopography, bulk density, basal widths, soil moisture, and organic matter were not different among the four treatments. Grazing and trampling reduced biomass and stem density. Trampling alone also decreased stem density. Both reductions caused straightened microchannels and increased overland flow and runoff. Grazing created straighter channels for flow, but it did not increase flow velocity compared with the other treatments. Overland flow reached the bottom of the plot faster and in greater amount in the grazed plots. Stem density and rainfall intensity were the most important factors in runoff characteristics. Forbs had the widest stem widths and were the most utilized vegetation type and could be important in reducing runoff.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 48A Southern Rocky Mountains 49 Southern Rocky Mountain Foothills
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Trampling
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: runoff, stem density, microchannels, sinuosity, drainage density, rainfall simulation
Annotation: The findings in this study could be applicable to various types of montane riparian areas. As stem density was critical in predicting run-off, ensuring high stem density through proper grazing management can decrease the probably of high runoff events. The actual amount of trampling was not measured specifically, but its effects were examined via the other measurements. The authors probably intended for natural movement of the heifers rather than a controlled trampling experiment.
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