Infiltration and Sediment Production Following Chemical Control of Sagebrush in New Mexico

Abstract

Terminal infiltration rates under sagebrush canopies were about 35% higher than interspace areas at 3 study sites in northern New Mexico. Differences in infiltration rates among strata may largely be attributed to a greater amount of litter yield and basal cover, and 2 to 3 times higher percentage of organic carbon under the canopy of sagebrush compared to the interspace. Infiltration rates and sediment concentration of runoff within the canopy zone and interspace areas were not affected chemical control treatments. Total sediment production was about 29 to 41% higher under the canopy of tebuthiuron treated sagebrush compared to the canopy zone of untreated rangeland. However, these differences were not consistent and were significant at only 1 study site. Total sediment production was related primarily to a combination of soil texture, sagebrush canopy cover, and total vegetation production.