Simulation of Brush Removal within Eight Watersheds in Texas

Abstract

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate the effects of brush removal on water yield in eight watersheds in Texas for 1960-1998. Landsat 7 satellite imagery was used to classify land use, and the 1:24,000 scale DEM was used to delineate the watershed boundaries and subbasins. After calibrating SWAT to existing stream gage flows, brush removal was simulated by converting all heavy and moderate categories of brush (except oak) to open range (native grass). Water yield (surface runoff and base flow) varied by subbasin, but not all subbasins showed an increase in water yield as a result of removing brush.