Scientists also learned through another early study that maintaining a farm on a steep watershed increases sediment and is basically not conducive to farming. Such fundamental studies were the gateway to additional studies still being performed today. Information gathered from the early studies had never been known prior to their implementation. Other studies include a forest converted from hardwoods to pine trees. Scientists discovered that stream flows were lower in a pine forest.
Pine trees trap more water in their canopy and they keep leaves or needles all year round.
Another study includes a forest converted to a pasture in which scientists learned that a very well fertilized productive pasture uses as much water as a forest. Ecologists, soil scientists, and hydrologists all work together at Coweeta to look at the studies to gain a multiple focus, performing interdisciplinary research. Of the 1500 visitors Coweeta has each year, the lab has hosted scientists from many different countries around the world including Japan, China, Mexico, Britain, and Russia as well as many states across the nation. In addition, strong university ties bring many students to Coweeta to study and learn the value of the long-term studies. The University of Georgia in particular aids funding and is a partner in the long term ecological research.