Change in Plant Associations by Change in Ground Water Level
Bryan K. 1928. Change in Plant Associations by Change in Ground Water Level. Ecology. 9(4):474-478
Cites evidence for the existence of phreatophytes, and notes changes in plants associations accompanying channel-cutting and lowered ground water tables. Historical reports are cited that indicate the Santa Cruz and San Pedro rivers once contained many cienegas. Progressive changes in the vegetation led from bulrush, using surface water, through the grasses (Sacaton) and cottonwoods, using shallow groundwater, to the deep rooted mesquite (Prosopis), using deep groundwater, following a lowering of the water table. The fundamental cause of arroyo cutting may have been due to change to a drier climate. If this is true, overgrazing is an accessory which set the date at which cutting might begin.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Bryan, Kirk
- Units
- ORPI , SAGU , SODN
- Keywords
- Arizona, Ecology (Abiotic Effects), Ecology (Plant), Sonoran Biome