Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Application of nonequilibrium ecology to managed riparian ecosystems

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/sj139663g

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  • Seasonal trends in water table level and soil moisture for four plant community types within an irrigated eastern Oregon riparian zone were described. Aboveground biomass, species composition, litter, percent bareground and percent basal cover of key plant species and life forms were measured. The relationship between water table levels and soil moisture content were analyzed using simple linear regression. Transition zones between plant community types based on soil moisture and/or depth to water table during the growing season were determined. The soil moisture-water table relationship can be used to predict changes in plant community composition induced by a permanent depth to water table change. Irrigation impact on meadow water table levels and stream temperature were determined. Water table levels responded to irrigation manipulations within days. The permanent cessation of irrigation would shrink the riparian meadows contained within this study from widths in excess of 300 m to less than 60 m. Continuous stream temperature data were collected on a stream running through adjacent non-irrigated and irrigated meadows. Daily maximum stream temperatures in the segment contained within the irrigated meadow were 1.0° to 3.0° C cooler than the reach contained within the non-irrigated meadow. Management impact on plant community attributes, forage production and forage quality were assessed under three pasture management alternatives. Comparison of stubble height, litter, forage production, forage quality, species composition, percent bareground and percent basal cover of key plant species and life forms indicated all three management alternatives are sustainable from both a plant community and a livestock production perspective.
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