Sediment production from granitic cutslopes on forest roads in Idaho, USA

Abstract

A series of 75 non-bordered plots was used to measure surface erosion on granitic road cuts on forest roads in the mountains of Idaho. Erosion data were collected for four years following road construction. Erosion rates for the first winter period after construction averaged about five times greater than the average of erosion rates for subsequent seasons. Both mass and surface erosion processes were observed on road cuts with mass erosion particularly important during the first season after construction. Regression analysis showed slope gradient, slope aspect, ground cover density and snow-free period rainfall erosivity had statistically significant effects on erosion. Slope gradient was by far the most influential site factor affecting erosion but slope length had no affect. Three erosion control treatments – dry seeding, hydroseeding plus mulch, and terracing with hydroseeding plus mulch – were evaluated. Two treatments – dry seeding and hydroseeding plus mulch –caused statistically significant reductions in erosion. Dry seeding was the most cost-effective treatment on sites with deep alluvial soil. Elsewhere, hydromulching was the most cost-effective treatment. Further testing is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of erosion control treatments during the first period after construction. We were unable to discriminate between erosion rates on the moderately to highly weathered granitic rock included in this study. A discussion of the application of the study results is presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.