Short-term soil moisture response to low-tech erosion control structures in a semiarid rangeland

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

NICHOLS, M.H.

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Southwest Watershed Research Center, AZ, Tucson, Etats-Unis

MCREYNOLDS, K.

Univ. of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Willcox, Etats-Unis

REED, C.

Univ. of Arizona, Etats-Unis

Description :
This study was conducted to measure and document soil moisture response to loose rock structures and wire bound rock structures in comparison with untreated control sites during the first rainfall season following construction. A field experiment was conducted on a degraded alluvial fan in southeastern Arizona where erosion control structures were built on 3 small ephemeral channels. Rainfall and runoff during 2006 were above average, and soil moisture was significantly higher through the channel bank soil profiles in proximity to loose rock and wire bound check dams than soil moisture measured at control sites. Erosion control structures are expected to increase local soil moisture in response to water impoundment. These results quantify this response and will be useful in designing rangeland restoration strategies that rely on soil moisture to improve vegetative cover.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2012, vol. 98, p. 104-109, nombre de pages : 6, Références bibliographiques : 20 ref.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais