Annual domestic forages may provide temporary ground cover and pasture in reclamation situations where
perennial domestic forages are not desired, cannot be established, or where a rapid ground cover is needed. Potential soil erosion is a concern in annual compared to perennial forages because of the requirement for yearly establishment. The row seeding of annual pasture may exacerbate rill erosion and the lack of liner buildup may leave the soil exposed to raindrop impact and surface flow. In comparison, perennial domestic pastures can protect against erosion by providing permanent cover, forming sod and generating adequate litter.
The objectives of this study were to quantify runoff and sediment during snowmelt and rainfall events and to
measure differences in bare ground and litter on annual and perennial pasture at different grazing intensities.