The influence of prehistoric Anasazi cobble-mulch agricultural features of northern Rio Grande landscapes

Richard D. Periman

Treesearch

The influence of prehistoric Anasazi cobble-mulch agricultural features of northern Rio Grande landscapes

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Richard D. Periman

Year:

1996

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Shaw, Douglas W.; Finch, Deborah M., tech coords. Desired future conditions for Southwestern riparian ecosystems: Bringing interests and concerns together. 1995 Sept. 18-22, 1995; Albuquerque, NM. General Technical Report RM-GTR-272. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 181-188.

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Abstract

Research concerning ancient Pueblo Indian farming, specifically the innovation of cobble-mulch gardens, suggests a manipulation of the local environment on a landscape level that helped create existing ecosystems. This agricultural technology, which consisted of a protective layer of gravel covering the productive soil, trapped seasonal runoff moisture in field areas, retained it, and guarded against evaporation. These water trapping features are usually found on terraces and slopes above riparian areas. The effect of this lithic-mulch technology on available water, drainage patterns, and general system dynamics is explored.

Parent Publication

Desired future conditions for Southwestern riparian ecosystems: Bringing interests and concerns together

Keywords

riparian ecosystems, human dimensions, hydrology, ecology, history, restoration

Citation

Periman, Richard D. 1996. The influence of prehistoric Anasazi cobble-mulch agricultural features of northern Rio Grande landscapes. In: Shaw, Douglas W.; Finch, Deborah M., tech coords. Desired future conditions for Southwestern riparian ecosystems: Bringing interests and concerns together. 1995 Sept. 18-22, 1995; Albuquerque, NM. General Technical Report RM-GTR-272. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 181-188.