Ecohydrologic Impacts of Rangeland Fire on Runoff and Erosion: A Literature Synthesis

Authors

Frederick B. Pierson, USDA Agricultural Research Service
C. Jason Williams, USDA Agricultural Research Service

Document Type

Report

Publisher

United States Department of Agriculture

Publication Date

7-2016

First Page

1

Last Page

116

Abstract

Fire can dramatically influence rangeland hydrology and erosion by altering ecohydrologic relationships. This synthesis presents an ecohydrologic perspective on the effects of fire on rangeland runoff and erosion through a review of scientific literature spanning many decades. The objectives are: (1) to introduce rangeland hydrology and erosion concepts necessary for understanding hydrologic impacts of fire; (2) to describe how climate, vegetation, and soils affect rangeland hydrology and erosion; and (3) to use examples from literature to illustrate how fire interacts with key ecohydrologic relationships. The synthesis is intended to provide a useful reference and conceptual framework for understanding and evaluating impacts of fire on rangeland runoff and erosion.

Comments

General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-351

Recommended Citation

Pierson, F.B., and C. J. Williams. 2016. Ecohydrologic impacts of rangeland fire on runoff and erosion: A literature synthesis. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. RMRS-GTR-351. 110 p.