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COMPLETED PROJECT

Soil-Water Content and Salinity Monitoring in Habitat Restoration Site at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Lower Colorado River, Arizona

Project Number: BO0WR
Project Chief:
Cooperating Agencies:
Period of Project: COMPLETED

Willow Flycatcher habitat.

PROBLEM

As part of the science on the DOI Landscape program, the four disciplines of the U.S. Geological Survey have formed a group to provide science support to the Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP) on the Lower Colorado River. One area of interest presented by the MSCP group was the issue of changing moisture content and salinity levels that may impact Willow Flycatcher habitat restoration efforts.

APPROACH

Temporal and spatial changes in soil water content and salinity are being monitored at a 14.3-acre restoration project research site in the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. To accomplish this, electromagnetic (EM) induction surveys and soil sampling campaigns are conducted. The EM surveys provide a generalized understanding of the bulk electrical conductivity conditions that exist within the study area. The analysis of soil samples collected at spatially optimized sampling locations is used to develop calibration relationships to describe the moisture content and salinity structure across the study site.

Making measurements in study area.

RELEVANCE AND BENEFITS

This study will advance the understanding of the best management practices necessary to properly maintain soil moisture and salinity levels in revegetated areas along the Lower Colorado River.