Influence of vegetation cover and crust type on wind-blown sediment in a semi-arid climate

TitleInfluence of vegetation cover and crust type on wind-blown sediment in a semi-arid climate
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsHupy JP
JournalJournal of Arid Environments
Volume58
Pagination167-179
Date Published2004
Call Number00849
Keywordsaeolian processes, crust type, aeolian processes, vegetation effects, aeolian processes, wind erosion, aeolian processes, wind-transported dust, article, crusty type, journal, rangelands, saltation, vegetation cover, wind erosion
AbstractThis study determined the influence differing soil surface textures and vegetative covers haveon the magnitude of wind erosion in a semi-arid environment. The study was conducted fromMarch 2000 through late April 2000 on the Jornada Experimental Range approximately 37kmnorth of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) samplers placed at ninelocations, collected particulates in suspension and saltation at heights of 5, 10, 20, 50, and100 cm from the following surfaces: loose sand, thick silty physical crust, flaky physical crust,weak desert pavement, and a forb/grass ground cover. BSNE samplers collected the largestamounts of sediment were collected in areas of loose sand and at sites directly downwind fromloose sand than sites containing heavy crusting, gravel, or a forb/grass cover. Differencesbetween sites with gravel surfaces and those with forb/grass cover were insignificant. Theseresults quantify the importance of surface cover as an agent towards reducing the extent ofwind erosion on semi-arid landscapes.© 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reprint EditionIn File (12/15/2005)