Effects of livestock grazing on overland flow and sediment yield on hillslopes in the northern Negev, Israel

Sarah Pariente

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

A mosaic-like spatial pattern, consisting of three main surface cover types (patches) - shrubs, trampling routes, and interspersed open areas - characterizes the landscape of the northern Negev region of Israel. This area has been grazed by flocks of sheep and goats since prehistoric times, and the presence of livestock has created a network of trampling routes which account for over 21% of the surface area of the landscape. The soil characteristics and hydrological responses of these routes differ from those of the remainder of the intershrub area and define a separate microhabitat. Each patch creates specific microenvironmental and functional conditions, which affect the eco-geomorphic system, i.e., relations among soil, water, plants and erosion, therefore, patches may differ from one another in their hydrological characteristics. The impacts of grazing flocks on the distributions of overland flow and sediment yield, and on soil properties on south- and north-facing hillslopes in a semi-arid area were investigated. Overland flows and sediment yields, and also soil properties, were measured in small runoff plots (0.25-1.0 m2) representing the three patch types, inside and outside 15-year-old long-term grazing exclosures. Grazing reduces the spatial heterogeneity of overland flow and sediment yield, increases their total amounts and intensifies the source/sink relationships.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGrazing Ecology
Subtitle of host publicationVegetation and Soil Impact
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages171-188
Number of pages18
ISBN (Print)9781621004363
StatePublished - Aug 2012

Keywords

  • Overland flow
  • Sediment yield
  • Soil properties
  • Source/sink patches
  • Spatial distribution

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