Natural Reforestation Reclaims a Watershed: A Case History from West Virginia

摘要

Thirteen years of hydrologic data from two contiguous small watersheds in West Virginia were analyzed to determine the effects on streamflow of natural reforestation on abandoned farmlands. From 1958 to 1970, streamflow on the watersheds was unchanged. The history of land use on the study area helps explain the apparent lack of hydrologic effects of reforestation. Long-term observation suggests that soil and water were protected adequately when the land became completely revegetated with any plant cover.