Rangeland field data techniques and data applications

Excerpt

The NRI is important in the development of conservation policy and programs and is a nationally consistent source of data for the public and researchers in many fields.

In 1995, NRCS began to explore new assessment technologies and field data collection techniques for the rangeland NRI. New concepts in evaluating rangeland health were emerging as possible tools to provide a preliminary evaluation of biotic integrity, hydrologic function, and soil surface stability.

Rangeland professionals, managers, and ranchers have “on the ground” expertise that is a valuable asset. Trained people can key into visual aspects of the landscape, which are not always quantitative in nature, but are valuable in determining subtle rangeland trends and changes. For example, indications of water and wind erosion on rangeland can be determined by a variety of field observed indicators, which are generally not parameters in predictive hydrology and erosion computer models (Figure 1). Indicators can be pedestalled plants; the base of plants discolored by soil movement from raindrop splash or overland flow; exposed root crowns; the formation of miniature debris dams and terraces; puddled spots on soil surface with fine clays forming a crust in minor depressions which crack as the soil surface dries …