Southern Research Station

Title: Baseline Characterization of Forested Headwater Stream Hydrology and Water Chemistry in Southwest Georgia

Author: Jones, David G.; Summer, William B.; Miwa, Masato; Jackson, C. Rhett

Date: 2004

Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 161-165

Description: Stream hydrology and water quality in headwater streams are important components of ecosystem health. The Dry Creek Long-Term Watershed Study is designed to evaluate the effects of upland forestry operations and stream management zone (SMZ) thinning on stream hydrology, water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates, and other biologicindicators. The study also tests the effectiveness of Georgia Best Management Practices (BMP). The study was establishedin the Spring of 2001 and monitors four adjacent first-order stream watersheds that range in size from 26 to 48 ha. Monthly grab samples and stormflow samples were taken and analyzed for nitrate/nitrite (NO₃^-/NO₂^-), ammonium (NH₄⁺), total nitrogen (TN), ortho-phosphate (O-PO₄^-), total phosphorus (TP), and total suspended solids (TSS). Preliminary water quality analysis indicated that nutrient concentrations fluctuate seasonally with similar trends among watersheds. However, nutrient concen-trations during storm events are highly variable with very few consistent trends.

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Citation

Jones, David G.; Summer, William B.; Miwa, Masato; Jackson, C. Rhett  2004.  Baseline Characterization of Forested Headwater Stream Hydrology and Water Chemistry in Southwest Georgia.   Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 161-165