This study determined the effects of cattle trampling and grazing on vegetation and soil surface variables, and evaluated their effects on sediment movement and filtration in a montane riparian meadow in Colorado, under simulated rainfall and overland flow conditions. Sediment traps downstream were used to identify sediment movement. This study indicated that in the grazed plots, sediment filtration was lower and sediment movement was heaviest. The primary variables that influenced sediment filtration were stem density and surface random roughness. Stem density was the most influential variable that affected sediment infiltration. The importance of stem density in this montane riparian community for sediment filtration indicates that stem density data might be useful in modeling sediment transport. Furthermore, this research has demonstrated the necessity to consider riparian areas separately from adjacent uplands. If this is done, improved estimates of sediment delivery to a stream or lake should result.
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.