A Study Of The Effects Of Irrigation On Benthic Invertebrates In Duck Creek, Broadwater County, Montana

Abstract

Total number and generic diversity of benthic invertebrates in Duck Creek, Broadwater County, T8N R2E, Sections 3, 9 and 11 were investigated during June, July and August to see if irrigation systems affect them. Quantitative studies showed that irrigation systems have a definite effect on benthic invertebrates by changing their environments. Changes were caused from higher turbidity and temperature. The orders of invertebrates studied were: Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Plecoptera. Irrigation did not eliminate the stream of any one particular order as expected, but altered the generic diversity and density found in each order. Therefore, different genera and numbers of individuals were found at each station depending on the environment and how well they could abide the particular changes which existed there.