Restoration Treatments in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque: Effect on Soil Compaction

Authors

Cody Lee Stropki, University of New Mexico - Main Campus

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

Fall 2003

Abstract

Mechanical removal of exotic woody plants that fuel catastrophic fires in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque (riparian forest) of New Mexico has the potential to compact bosque soils and alter soil properties. Salt cedar and Russian olive trees were introduced to the area in the early 1900's for erosion control and bank stabilization. In some areas these exotic trees out compete the native cottonwoods and willows. Flood control projects have exasperated the problem. Historic over-bank flooding helped to remove dead and downed wood while providing the right conditions for Cottonwood regeneration.

Keywords

bulk density, soil compaction, fire, infiltration, restoration, Middle Rio Grande Bosque, riparian soils, Albuquerque precipitation

Recommended Citation

Stropki, Cody Lee. "Restoration Treatments in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque: Effect on Soil Compaction." (2003). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wr_sp/227