PARENT SESSION
Contributed Oral Session 37: Floodplain Restoration
Tuesday, August 9, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Meeting Room 513 A, Level 5, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Effects of river pulsing on sedimentation patterns in created wetlands.
Nahlik, Amanda*,1, Mitsch, William1, 1 The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
ABSTRACT- Wetland soils drive biogeochemical processes and nutrient uptake by vegetation, and shifts in sedimentation patterns and characteristics can affect the overall function of a wetland. In this study, we investigated how sedimentation patterns and characteristics change under pulsed and steady-flow conditions in two created wetlands in central Ohio. Mean sedimentation during river pulses were 93.7, 144.9, 282.7 g-dry wt/m2 for April, May, and June, respectively. During May and June, sediment traps in deep pools (>20 cm in depth) collected 33% and 62% more sediment than in shallow pools. Mean percent organic matter during the pulsed season was 17.6% and was not statistically different from month to month. Mean sediment loads during the pulsing year are compared with similar measurements taken in the created wetlands when an equal amount of water, but without pulses, were introduced to the wetlands. Effects of successional changes in created wetlands on sedimentation are presented through a comparison of results to previous sedimentation studies in the same wetlands. Results will also be used to suggest design of created wetlands for restoration of riparian areas, such as those in the Mississippi River basin.
Key words: sedimentation, river pulsing, created wetlands, percent soil organic matter