Sediment production was determined after Pearce et al. applied simulated rainfall and overland flow to vegetation strips of varying lengths (12.5, 25, 50 cm) and stubble heights (ground level and 10 cm). Sediment production was most influenced by vegetative strip length. As strip length increased, sediment production decreased. Sediment produced at the two stubble heights varied among strip lengths. The taller vegetation was sometimes flattened by overland flow, which limited it's effectiveness to reduce sediment runoff. The results of this study indicate that vegetative strip length and height interact to determine the amount of sediment produced during rainfall events and suggest that the current practice of managing grazing with minimum stubble height guidelines is not enough to reduce stream sedimentation.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.