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Changes in Surface Runoff and Sediment Production after Repeated Rangeland Burns

USDA-ARS Southwest Watershed Research Center, 2000 E. Allen Rd., Tucson, AZ 85719-1596

Jerry R. Cox

Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center, P.O. Box 1658, Vernon, TX 76385

*Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

Prescribed burning of vegetation may increase the potential for surface runoff and erosion. Changes in surface runoff and sediment production were evaluated with time following fall and spring burns at two different soil and vegetation type locations in southeastern Arizona. Rainfall simulations were conducted immediately after prescribed burns on four replicate areas and 1 yr later following a repeat burn on the same areas, and compared with paired unburned areas. The burn treatment and evaluation sequence was repeated in a second year on new areas to evaluate differences in years. After the first burn, runoff and sediment production on unburned and burned areas were similar within locations, and were greater at one location than the other. One location showed significantly more runoff and sediment production in the fall season on both unburned and burned areas after the first burn treatment. There was significantly greater runoff and sediment production from the burned areas after the second burn and the burned areas were now similar between locations. Runoff and sediment production for the fall season and for the second year on the 1-yr-old areas was higher at both locations, regardless of treatment. The increases in runoff and sediment production were greater from the burning than the season or year effects after 1 yr. The management implications for these locations and conditions are that, immediately after a rangeland burn, runoff and sediment production maybe unchanged, but within 1 yr significant increases can occur and significant seasonal and yearly differences may occur irrespective of a burn.

Received for publication November 10, 1992.