Home > Research Projects > Project > 2007 Updates
C. PLANT, SOIL AND WATER INTERACTIONS
This project will assess likely responses by soils and vegetation to changes in water application and use. Information on the impacts of changes in water table and stream elevation on soil physical and chemical properties, including wind erosion, nutrient cycling and salt accumulation, will aid managers in the preservation of air and water quality adjacent to and within the river and lake itself.
Researchers:
From UNR: Wally Miller (PI), Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES); Jerry Qualls (Co-PI), NRES; Peter Weisberg (Co-PI), NRES
From DRI: Paul Verburg (Co-PI), Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (DEES); Todd Caldwell (Co-PI), DEES
Updates:
2007: May | June | July | August | September | October | November| December
Current Year: 2008
May 2007:
Arrangements for planting alternative agriculture and revegation species on the 5C Cottonwood Ranch, the adjacent alfalfa site, and the Wildlife Management Area have been finalized. We continue to search for a site that has a well for irrigation water supply. We would welcome any suggestions. We have initiated field sampling to map and characterize riparian, agricultural and upland vegetation, and we are identifying sites for studying groundwater and tall whitetop infestations.
June 2007:
In addition to the three experimental sites already located, we have secured a fourth site on the Wildlife Management that has a well for irrigation water supply, which will ensure a successful growing season on at least one site even if drought conditions continue. We have completed baseline soil sampling on two of our four sites, and this work is ongoing. Mapping of riparian vegetation and adjacent areas continues, and we have sampled plant community composition and structure at 70 locations. We are continuing site preparation and irrigation planning, and anticipate planting our first crops in the fall.
July 2007:
We have a new planting site in the north-central portion of the basin that has a well for irrigation water supply. We are preparing our irrigation system, and are planning a fall planting of alternative agriculture and revegetation experiments. Soil core sampling has been completed on three of the four sites. Progress is being made on baseline bulk density sampling and preparation of sample cores for laboratory analysis. Field sampling of plant community composition and collection of surface soil samples continues along the entire river corridor within the project area, in collaboration with Otis Bay Ecological Consulting, and should be completed in early August.
Baseline soil sampling has been concluded as part of the initial site characterization for Projects 4 and 5 and we will use subsamples for our soil nutrient studies. We anticipate starting trace gas flux measurements in the field as soon as the site preparation has been completed. Installation of flux chambers cannot be done until the sites have been tilled and seeded in order to avoid damage to the equipment. We have continued development of our site at the Mason Valley Wildlife Management area. Riparian areas have been identified that have tall white top and tamarisk in close proximity. The white top/tamarisk is located between irrigated farm land and the river. We have installed five shallow ground water monitoring wells in two transects perpendicular to the river and spanning from the river to the edge of the irrigated fields (currently planted with corn). While augering the monitoring wells, soil samples were collected at each unique horizon encountered. Preliminary water quality samples from the site have been collected. Field water quality samples for dissolved oxygen in the shallow ground water have been taken in order to target potential areas of denitrification. Water samples in the river representing the input and output of the Mason Valley have been collected for chemical characterization.
August 2007:
Soil and water samples are being collected and field testing is in progress at most sites. Irrigation systems, dust collectors, and a weather station have been purchased, installation activities will soon be initiated, and field sites are being prepared for fall plantings.
September 2007:
Nothing new to report since last month.
October 2007:
Soil sampling of the site in the Wildlife Management area was completed this month, and preparations are underway for lab work to be conducted this winter.
November 2007:
Collecting samples from the agricultural field sites.
December 2007:
Cool season crops were planted in late November/early December.
Highlight of the month
Temperature sensing fiber optic cable was installed at two sites: Wildlife Management Area and the site previously under alfalfa production. This new technology enhances our potential to characterize soil moisture characteristics and plant response.