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Bibliography Results Details

Record: 18
Citation: Boster, R.S. and L.R. Davis. 1972. Soil-loss considerations in chaparral-to-grass conversions. p. 243-250. In: National Symposium on Watersheds in Transition. American Water Resources Association, Urbana, Ill.
Subject: economics, erosion and sedimentation, range management
Vegetation type: chaparral
Location: Southwestern United States, Arizona, Beaver Creek watersheds
Abstract: Productivity of chaparral watersheds can sometimes be increased as a result of conversion to grass. The increased soil losses usually associated with the early phases of conversion programs are a valid concern. By a “with and without” method and a “worst possible approach” method, this study sought to determine the societal impacts of conversion-caused soil losses for chaparral watersheds in the Salt-Verde Basin, Arizona. The conclusions should hold for many other chaparral areas. Present knowledge permits chaparral conversion to be designed with minimal initial sediment loss, and with soil savings over time. With proper site selection, professional planning, and an effective post-treatment maintenance program, productivity can increase regardless of any realistically probable soil losses. If an adequate grass stand is established and maintained, vegetative conversions can save soil over time. Further, properly planned conversions could cause negligible to non-existent off-site sediment impacts, and would not appreciably influence reservoir life expectancy.
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