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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 19 (2011), Paper 14 Posted May 30, 2011 FIELD-SCALE CHANGES IN SOIL WATER AND RECHARGE FOLLOWING RESTORATION OF A CULTIVATED FIELD TO PRAIRIE
Philip J. Gerla ABSTRACT Restoration of large tracts of cropland to tallgrass prairie in north-central USA suggests that conversion will reduce runoff, infiltration, and groundwater recharge. In northwestern Minnesota, U.S.A., physically similar, adjacent native prairie (control) and cultivated sites were instrumented with time-domain reflectometry probes at depths ranging from 0.15-0.60 m and water-table piezometers. Following the end of cultivation in 2001 and restoration with native grasses, monitoring from 2002 through 2007 showed differences and trends in soil hydrology. Compared to the native prairie site, the former cropped location revealed larger and more rapid changes in soil moisture and a 0.2 m lowering of the water table during the five-year period. The native prairie retained comparatively greater soil moisture during the driest periods. If the conditions at this site are representative of those at a larger scale, then prairie restoration will not only "dry" the landscape, but may also retain greater soil moisture during drought. Reference: Gerla, P.J. 2011. Field-scale changes in soil water and recharge following restoration of a cultivated field to prairie. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 19, Paper 14. CONTACT: Philip J. Gerla Department of Geology and Geological Engineering & The Nature Conservancy - Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota University of North Dakota 81 Cornell Stop 8358 Grand Forks ND 58202-8358 USA E-mail: philgerla@mail.und.nodak.edu |
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