Get reliable rangeland science

This project conducted in a semiarid watershed in north-central Oregon aims to improve understanding of land management decisions in vegetation and water features. The study site comprises a 1-km riparian corridor that has been under a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) where an approximate 10-m buffer along each side of the creek has been left out of production during the last several years. Over the years, the riparian corridor has been heavily encroached by red alder (Alnus rubra) trees and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is the dominant understory species. A call for renewal of the CREP offered an opportunity to compare soil, vegetation, and water quality conditions of land enrolled in CREP and grazed land. In the summer of 2014, we began data collection for determining baseline conditions. An intensive field data campaign to inventory overstory/understory vegetation was conducted in 2015. Soil sampling to characterize soil morphology and physical properties is underway. Piezometers equipped with water level loggers were installed at two selected locations, and multiple ambient and stream temperature sensors have been deployed along the creek. Also, water uptake by overstory riparian vegetation is being evaluated using data collected with sap flux sensors. Beginning in the spring of 2016, the riparian reach will be partitioned in half to allow for the re-introduction of cattle grazing in one half portion that will be expanded into a riparian pasture. Soil-plant-water quality conditions will be assessed right before and following periodic flash grazing prescriptions. Expected results from this study will enhance base knowledge regarding land management impacts on riparian structure and function.