Author: John P. Baker

Publisher:

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13:

This study attempts to evaluate the influence of soil conservation practices on the surface hydrology in the Galena watershed. Poor soil conservation practices within the watershed from the mid-1800s until the mid-1900s increased surface runoff while decreasing baseflow. The poor soil conservation practices affected soil erosion, flood magnitudes, channel morphology, and sedimentation processes. The influence of poor soil conservation practices within the Galena watershed reached a maximum during the early 1900s. Efforts begun by the Soil Erosion Service in the mid-1930s began to reduce surface runoff by educating farmers in proper soil conservation methods. Aerial photography analysis indicates a steady increase in strip cropping and contour farming since 1937. The increased use of soil conservation practices within the watershed has decreased surface runoff more than 20% and increased the baseflow. The influence of soil conservation was evaluated by controlling climatic variables through an analysis of similar storm events. Statistical analyses indicate similarity among the storm events, reducing the climatic influence. Hydrographs corresponding to the selected storms were analyzed and an estimation of surface runoff and baseflow was calculated for each storm throughout the study period. Overall results indicate a general decreasing trend in surface runoff with the corresponding increasing trend in baseflow during the study period. Wisconsin; Steep topography. Theses. (EDC).