Comparing the Impact of Bare Ground on Runoff/Discharge, Mean Load and Sediment Exports on Two Fort Hood Watersheds

Abstract

One land condition shown to affect storm runoff/discharge and sediment exports is bare ground. High sediment exports in runoff indicate erosion is taking place within a watershed. Precipitation drives runoff and sediment exports, which result in degraded ecosystems unless effective management strategies are applied. The potential for erosion and subsequent sediment exports increases as the presence of bare ground increases. The effects of erosion and sediment exports impacts the types and frequencies of training as indicated by Fort Hood’s Integrated Training Area Management (RTLA 2014). Sediment exports were calculated for specific time periods within two watersheds located on the Fort Hood Military Reservation in Coryell County in Central Texas. Analysis has shown that the increased percentage of bare ground led to a consistent rise in runoff or discharge when precipitation occurred. That elevated runoff or discharge increased sediment exports and created displaced amounts of soil causing erosion. As the percentage of bare ground decreased, so did runoff and discharge which lessened the amount of sediment exports thus lowering sediment exports and the displacement of soil.