Baseline Study for Monitoring Variations in Nitrate Concentration in Surface Waters of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in Relation to Watershed Types
The purpose of this study was to compare the variations in nitrate concentration in the surface waters of five different watershed community types at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Monthly water samples were collected at selected sites below each watershed and analyzed by use of a specific ion electrode for nitrate concentration. Results indicate that variations in nitrate concentration are influenced by seasonal variation in rainfall. The yellow pine forest/chaparral watershed showed the highest mean nitrate concentration, three to four times higher than the other watershed types analyzed. Peak nitrate concentrations did not approach the maximum safe limit for human or animal consumption. The data presented here should serve as an adequate baseline for monitoring variations in nitrate concentration in surface waters at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park after prescribed burning in any of the five watershed types analyzed.
Biology, Environmental Sciences, Water Resource Management, Water -- Nitrogen content; Watershed management -- California -- San Diego County
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