Title | Plot-scale studies of vegetation, overland flow and erosion interactions: case studies from Arizona and New Mexico |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2000 |
Authors | Wainwright J, Parsons A.J., Abrahams AD |
Journal | Hydrological Processes |
Volume | 14 |
Pagination | 2921-2943 |
Date Published | 2000 |
Accession Number | JRN00309 |
Call Number | 00754 |
Keywords | article, articles, erosion, interrill, erosion, raindrop, erosion, splash, hydrology, ecosystem dynamics, hydrology, erosion, hydrology, grassland, hydrology, natural runoff, hydrology, nutrient transport, hydrology, overland-flow hydraulics, hydrology, processes, hydrology, raindrop processes, hydrology, rainfall simulation, hydrology, rills, hydrology, sediment transport, hydrology, shrubland, hydrology, soil infiltration, hydrology, Walnut Gulch, hydrology,infiltration, journal, journals, rainfall simulation, erosion, rainfall simulation, grasslands, rainfall simulation, infiltration, rainfall simulation, nutrient transport, rainfall simulation, shrubs |
Abstract | Rainfall-simulation experiments have been carried out on a series of plots ranging in size from 1 m2 to c 500 m2 in order to observe process and flux-rate changes resulting from the replacement of the dominant vegetation type from grassland to shrubland in the southwest. Results have demonstrated variations in infiltration rates, flow, hydraulics, splash and interrill erosion rates and nutrient transport rates. Furthermore, the shrubland areas develop rills, which are responsible for significant increases in overall erosion rates. The small-plot experiments allow the definition of controlling factors on the processes, and highlight the importance of vegetation controls. Although the small-plot approach has a number of significant advantages, it also has a number of disadvantages, which are discussed in detail. Some of these problems can be overcome with a careful consideration of experimental design. It is argued that plot-scale studies play an important part in improving our understanding of complex, open systems, but need to be integrated with other approaches such as the monitoring of natural events and computer modelling so that mutually consistent understandings of complex, ecohydrological systems can be achieved. |
URL | files/bibliography/JRN00309.pdf |
DOI | 10.1002/1099-1085(200011/12)14:16/17<2921::AID-HYP127>3.0.CO;2-7 |
Reprint Edition | In File and PDF (04/17/2001) |