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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Wind Erosion and Water Conservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #294253
Title: Sediments in Semi-arid Wetlands: US Southern High Plains

Author
item ZARTMAN, RICHARD - Texas Tech University
item VILLAREAL, CARLOS - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item Gitz, Dennis
item RAINWATER, KEN - Texas Tech University
item SMITH, LOREN - Oklahoma State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/12/2012
Publication Date: 11/15/2012
Citation: Zartman, R., Villareal, C., Gitz, D.C., Rainwater, K., Smith, L. 2012. Sediments in Semi-arid Wetlands: US Southern High Plains[abstract]. International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification. November 12-15, 2012. Sede Boqer, Israel.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Playas are ephemeral wetlands on the semi-arid U.S. Southern High Plains that serve as runoff catchment basins and are thought to be focal points of Ogallala aquifer recharge. Sediments in playas alter biodiversity and hydroperiods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of outerbasin vegetation on post-cultural sediment deposition in three pairs of cropland/native grassland playas. Sediment volume was directly related to watershed land use with more accumulated sediment and decreased playa depth in cropped playas than in grassland playas.