WSP07703

• File Number: 8276.500
• Description: Glenwood-Dotsero Springs Unit - Salinity Control Projects
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 11/18/1985
• Title: Preliminary Assessment of the Salt Tolerant Emergent Plant ‎(STEP)‎ Process: I. Species Selection and Criteria Definition
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

l,.~

I~
r...;

TABLE OF CONTENTS

l.._o

C)

Pa~e

LIST OF FIGURES.............................................. x
LIST OF TABLES...........................,................... xx

EXECUTIVE SUMMARy............................................ xxx

INTRODUCTION................................................. 1

SECTION ONE: THE STEP PROCESS AND ENVIRONMENT

A. Concept Summary - PROPRIETARy..................... 2

B. Specifics of the Glenwood Springs Saline Water

Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4

C. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the
Glenwood Springs Region............................. 4

1. Water Quality and Quantity..................... 4
2. Climatological Data
a. Wind Summary.............................. 4
b. Insolation and Temperature Data........... 5
c. Precipitation and Evaporation Data........ 6
d. Humidity Data............................. 8

D. Comparison with Salt Marsh Habitats................. 9

1. Water Quality.................................. 9
2. Wind Velocity.................................. 9

3. Insolation..................................... 10
4. Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
5. Hum i d it y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
6. Precipitation........................ .'......... 10

SECTION TWO: BOTANICAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. Photosynthesis, Metabolism and Transpiration........ 11

B. Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance........................ 14

C. Processes within Emergent Salt Marsh Species........ 16

1. Transpiration...................... '........... 16

2. Production..................................... 19
a. Impact of Salinity........................ 19
b. Engineering for Saline Water Irrigation... 20
c. Yield Estimates for Grand Junction Region
Applications.............................. 21
3. Chemical Composi tion........................... 30
a. Composition with Respect to Forage Value.. 30
b. Consequences with Respect to Salt Content. 32
c. Alternative Strategies.................... 34