The complex ecohydrological processes of rangelands can be studied through the framework of ecolo... more The complex ecohydrological processes of rangelands can be studied through the framework of ecological sites (ESs) or hillslope‐scale soil–vegetation complexes. High‐quality hydrologic field investigations are needed to quantitatively link ES characteristics to hydrologic function. Geophysical tools are useful in this context because they provide valuable information about the subsurface at appropriate spatial scales. We conducted 20 field experiments in which we deployed time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), variable intensity rainfall simulation, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), and seismic refraction, on hillslope plots at five different ESs within the Upper Crow Creek Watershed in south‐east Wyoming. Surface runoff was measured using a precalibrated flume. Infiltration data from the rainfall simulations, coupled with site‐specific resistivity–water content relationships and ERT datasets, were used to spatially and temporally track the progression of the wetting fron...
ABSTRACT Rangelands are an important ecosystem in the western US, and herbage and livestock produ... more ABSTRACT Rangelands are an important ecosystem in the western US, and herbage and livestock production are important issues throughout the western states. Making stocking rate decisions early in the growing season is difficult because of high variation in annual herbage production. In this study, regression analysis was used to relate herbage biomass to monthly and growing season predicator variables (rainfall, actual evapotranspiration, and soil moisture) using data collected from fifteen Wyoming rangeland sites. Both predictor and response variables were scaled before regression to correct for different physical and environmental conditions between sites. Growing season precipitation was the strongest predictor of herbage biomass production (r2 = 0.79), followed by growing season actual evapotranspiration (r2 = 0.69), and growing season profile-average soil water content (r2 = 0.59). April profile-average (0–90 cm) and April surface (0–30 cm) soil moisture also predicted herbage biomass (r2 = 0.53–0.54), indicating that early growing season soil moisture can be used to inform stocking rate and grazing management decisions as it provides information at the onset of the growing season.
Attached are data that were used to calculate return flow for this study. We do not include geoph... more Attached are data that were used to calculate return flow for this study. We do not include geophysical data as it is too large and is still a niche field where few people are likely excited to work with those data. We will revisit publication of geophysical data if it turns out there is interest in using those data.
Managing watersheds to maintain working landscapes while protecting water quality and other water... more Managing watersheds to maintain working landscapes while protecting water quality and other watershed functions is critical if agriculture and natural resources are to be sustained in the West. Continued application of best management practices (BMPs), whose benefits have not been quantified, impairs our ability to effectively manage these lands and resources. Based on outcomes of numerous needs assessments, the Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Team responded to stakeholder needs by: 1) investigating water quality monitoring training needs in the region; 2) assessing BMP monitoring programs; 3) directly assessing the effectiveness of specific BMPs at mitigating water quality issues; 4) developing educational resources, approaches and materials to improve water quality monitoring programs; and 5) leading trainings and symposia for local, state, regional, tribal and national audiences. These actions have been implemented in collaboration with stakeholders at local, state and national levels. The outcomes of these actions include: in-depth water quality monitoring training modules and certification programs; a BMP Monitoring Guidance Document for Stream Systems and an interactive website; and quantitative assessment of implemented BMPs including, stream restoration, tile drains and grazing management systems. The Guidance Document and website present guidelines and information for designing and implementing effective monitoring approaches before any project implementation begins. This leads to appropriate choices of monitoring or modeling techniques, and frequency and scale. Impacts of the team efforts are evident at the local, state and regional level. Water quality monitoring training programs for volunteers and professionals have expanded and strengthened in the region. New monitoring strategies and training materials that detect and quantify real change in water quality are being implemented and credible water quality data are being collected. These data are being used to: assess the effectiveness of implemented BMPs; develop TMDLs that are relevant for the region; and assess the overall health of our watersheds.
The complex ecohydrological processes of rangelands can be studied through the framework of ecolo... more The complex ecohydrological processes of rangelands can be studied through the framework of ecological sites (ESs) or hillslope‐scale soil–vegetation complexes. High‐quality hydrologic field investigations are needed to quantitatively link ES characteristics to hydrologic function. Geophysical tools are useful in this context because they provide valuable information about the subsurface at appropriate spatial scales. We conducted 20 field experiments in which we deployed time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), variable intensity rainfall simulation, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), and seismic refraction, on hillslope plots at five different ESs within the Upper Crow Creek Watershed in south‐east Wyoming. Surface runoff was measured using a precalibrated flume. Infiltration data from the rainfall simulations, coupled with site‐specific resistivity–water content relationships and ERT datasets, were used to spatially and temporally track the progression of the wetting fron...
ABSTRACT Rangelands are an important ecosystem in the western US, and herbage and livestock produ... more ABSTRACT Rangelands are an important ecosystem in the western US, and herbage and livestock production are important issues throughout the western states. Making stocking rate decisions early in the growing season is difficult because of high variation in annual herbage production. In this study, regression analysis was used to relate herbage biomass to monthly and growing season predicator variables (rainfall, actual evapotranspiration, and soil moisture) using data collected from fifteen Wyoming rangeland sites. Both predictor and response variables were scaled before regression to correct for different physical and environmental conditions between sites. Growing season precipitation was the strongest predictor of herbage biomass production (r2 = 0.79), followed by growing season actual evapotranspiration (r2 = 0.69), and growing season profile-average soil water content (r2 = 0.59). April profile-average (0–90 cm) and April surface (0–30 cm) soil moisture also predicted herbage biomass (r2 = 0.53–0.54), indicating that early growing season soil moisture can be used to inform stocking rate and grazing management decisions as it provides information at the onset of the growing season.
Attached are data that were used to calculate return flow for this study. We do not include geoph... more Attached are data that were used to calculate return flow for this study. We do not include geophysical data as it is too large and is still a niche field where few people are likely excited to work with those data. We will revisit publication of geophysical data if it turns out there is interest in using those data.
Managing watersheds to maintain working landscapes while protecting water quality and other water... more Managing watersheds to maintain working landscapes while protecting water quality and other watershed functions is critical if agriculture and natural resources are to be sustained in the West. Continued application of best management practices (BMPs), whose benefits have not been quantified, impairs our ability to effectively manage these lands and resources. Based on outcomes of numerous needs assessments, the Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Team responded to stakeholder needs by: 1) investigating water quality monitoring training needs in the region; 2) assessing BMP monitoring programs; 3) directly assessing the effectiveness of specific BMPs at mitigating water quality issues; 4) developing educational resources, approaches and materials to improve water quality monitoring programs; and 5) leading trainings and symposia for local, state, regional, tribal and national audiences. These actions have been implemented in collaboration with stakeholders at local, state and national levels. The outcomes of these actions include: in-depth water quality monitoring training modules and certification programs; a BMP Monitoring Guidance Document for Stream Systems and an interactive website; and quantitative assessment of implemented BMPs including, stream restoration, tile drains and grazing management systems. The Guidance Document and website present guidelines and information for designing and implementing effective monitoring approaches before any project implementation begins. This leads to appropriate choices of monitoring or modeling techniques, and frequency and scale. Impacts of the team efforts are evident at the local, state and regional level. Water quality monitoring training programs for volunteers and professionals have expanded and strengthened in the region. New monitoring strategies and training materials that detect and quantify real change in water quality are being implemented and credible water quality data are being collected. These data are being used to: assess the effectiveness of implemented BMPs; develop TMDLs that are relevant for the region; and assess the overall health of our watersheds.
Uploads
Papers by Ginger Paige