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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Grazing Ecology |
Subtitle of host publication | Vegetation and Soil Impact |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
Pages | 171-188 |
Number of pages | 18 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781621004363 |
State | Published - Aug 2012 |
Keywords
- Overland flow
- Sediment yield
- Soil properties
- Source/sink patches
- Spatial distribution