Grantee Research Project Results
2007 Progress Report: Experimentally Partitioning Effects of Hydrologic Regime on Vegetation and Soils to Develop Predictive Models for Restoration of Freshwater Wetlands
EPA Grant Number: EM832981Title: Experimentally Partitioning Effects of Hydrologic Regime on Vegetation and Soils to Develop Predictive Models for Restoration of Freshwater Wetlands
Investigators: Scinto, Leonard , Richards, Jennifer
Institution: Florida International University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 1, 2007 through December 31,2007
Project Amount: $193,400
RFA: Targeted Research Grant (2006) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research
Objective:
Hydrologic parameters are the most important, but least understood and quantified components of wetland ecosystems. Our purpose is to generate data to contribute to the development of a predictive model quantifying the relationships between hydrologic parameters and plant, soil and ecosystem components of freshwater wetlands. In addition, the processes which create and maintain marsh heterogeneity and ridge and slough topography including water depth, hydroperiod, water velocity and the timing of inundation will be quantified. The overall goal is to provide data needed to properly restore or create wetlands lost or highly modified by anthropogenic activities. We are conducting our research in the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment Project (LILA) which consists of replicated wetland mesocosms that mimic many features of the Everglades marsh while having the capacity to manipulate water depth and flow. Therefore, our expected results should produce some of the best guidelines for wetlands ridge and slough habitat creation and restoration methodologies needed by managers.
Progress Summary:
To date, we have initiated our experiment to determine the effects of water depth and flow rate on growth of common Everglades marsh species, as well as to understand how these species affect sedimentation, soil-building and nutrient dynamics. We have begun planting plots in two mesocosms M1 and M2. We are operating M1 in a “no-flow” condition where water levels (stage and hydroperiod) are being manipulated by slow water inflow so as to minimize water velocity. In M2 we are seeking to maintain the same stage and hydroperiod but will be continually recirculating water thus trying to maintain “flowing” conditions. Three keystone Everglades wetland species: sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), spikerush (Eleocharis cellulosa), and water lily (Nymphaea odorata) are being planted in 2 x 2 m patches in several “habitats” including shallow and deep sloughs, interior ridge, and ridge edges. We initially transplanted each species from other portions of LILA to our plots. Unfortunately, our transplanted Cladium did not regrow in the RAST plots. We are therefore having Cladium grown from seed. The young plants should be ready to plant at LILA in January 2008. We recently conducted dye studies in M1 and M2 to characterize flow patterns. Visual analysis of the dye showed flow patterns in M2 (flowing cell) while dye in M1 dispersed around injection points but did not flow in particular patterns. Fluorescent analysis of the dye to determine flow rates (velocities) is on-going.
Supplemental Keywords:
ecology, decision making,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, ECOSYSTEMS, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Hydrology, Aquatic Ecosystem, Terrestrial Ecosystems, fate and transport, wetlands, ecosystem monitoring, nutrients, wetland stabilization, bidoveristy, modeling ecosystem change, aquatic ecosystem restoration, hydrodynamicsRelevant Websites:
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.