The Little River Watershed
Southeast Watershed
Research Laboratory
The 129 mi2 (334 km2) Little River Watershed near Tifton, Georgia was selected as the principal research watershed for the Southeast Watershed Research Lab in 1967. The Little River Watershed is typical of the heavily vegetated, slow-moving stream systems in the Coastal Plain Region of the U.S. The region is typified by broad flood-plains with very poorly defined stream channels and gently sloping uplands. Watersheds in this region generally contain forested riparian buffers surrounding the stream.
Broad-crested weir measurement and sampling site on the watershed.
The Climate: Due to its southern location, the area experiences long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Average monthly temperatures vary from 52E F (11E C) in January to 81E F (27E C) in July and August. The 53-year annual average for precipitation at Tifton, Georgia is 47.4 inches (120.3 cm).
V-notch weir measurement and sampling site.
The Land Use: Little River Watershed is in one of the most important agricultural regions of the country. Approximately 45% of the watershed is woods, 37% crops, 4% pastures, 7% idle, and 7% roads, urban, and water. Major crops in the area are peanuts and cotton, along with corn, soybeans, tobacco, and truck crops to a lesser degree. Swamp hardwoods occur along the stream edges and are often accompanied by thick undergrowth forming the riparian vegetation boundary along stream networks.
Typical land use and riparian buffers in the watershed.
Measurements Made: The types of data collected on the watershed include stream gage, rainfall, and groundwater measurements and samples. The 129 mi2 (334 km2) main watershed includes seven sub-watersheds ranging in size from 1 to 44 mi2 (3 to 115 km2).
Rain gage measurement site.
Runoff measurement and water quality sampling instruments.
How do I get more information?
For additional information on the Southeast Watershed Research Lab, please contact:
Dr. Timothy C. Strickland, Research Leader
USDA-ARS, Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory
PO Box 946
Tifton, Georgia 31793
ph: 229-386-3462 fax: 229-386-7215
email: tstrickland@tifton.cpes.peachnet.edu