Evaluation of coastal wetland soil properties in a degrading marsh

Berkowitz, Jacob F.; VanZomeren, Christine M.; Piercy, Candice D.; White, John R.

doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2018.07.021

Cited by 15 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Our data agree with the notion that these semi‐isolated ponds either import or export organic material (Spivak et al, ). Therefore, ponds in wetland landscapes—either natural or anthropogenic—should not be included in C inventory calculations until properly researched, as these ponded features are still understudied in terms of C assimilation (Spivak et al, ; Berkowitz et al, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pond Excavation Reduces Coastal Wetland Carbon Dioxide Assimilation

et al. 2020

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Coastal wetlands comprise important global carbon sinks; however, anthropogenic disturbance accompanied with accelerating sea level rise threaten their continued survival. In this study, we quantified habitat disturbance to salt marshes in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, resulting from the construction of ponds for mosquito control. Geographic object‐based image analysis of high‐resolution four‐band aerial imagery revealed that over 7,000 ponds were constructed in the marsh complex with pond densities as high as 290 ponds per km2. Physical disturbance from pond creation and sediment dispersal extended to over 17% of the bay's tidal wetlands. By tracking recolonization of vegetation, we estimated that it took 5 years for 51% vegetation recovery and 10 years for 69% recovery, with complete recover (100%) not expected for more than 50 years. This suggests that efforts to extend the lifespan of drowning coastal wetlands through sediment additions might disrupt carbon dioxide assimilation, as effects of disturbance persist. Focusing on greenhouse gas exchange, our work found that areas of marsh vegetation contribute to carbon assimilation (−42 g C · m−2 · year−1), while ponds and areas of bare peat created by pond excavation were associated with carbon emissions (44 and 125 g C · m−2 · year−1, respectively). These results suggest that the conversion of wetlands to ponds—which is a significant driver of coastal wetland loss worldwide—may convert coastal wetlands from greenhouse gas sinks to sources. Additionally, quantifying the area of vegetation within a marsh (vs. bare ground or open water) is important for quantifying their greenhouse gas mitigation function.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pond Excavation Reduces Coastal Wetland Carbon Dioxide Assimilation

et al. 2020

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“…Wetland degradation of the area was identified in the rapid transition of vegetated marsh platforms to un-vegetated shallow pannes through erosion and vegetation stress over the course of decades [16,19,30]. The primary vegetation located across the wetland was a lowform of S. alterniflora that transitions to tall-form S. alterniflora as elevation decreases near ponds and tidal creeks (Fig 1)…”

Section: Site Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…0.26 m NAVD88 (±0.13 m) [16]. The site experiences a semidiurnal tidal range of 1.39 m with a MHHW of 0.74 m NAVD88 [30].…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Establishment of soil strength in a nourished wetland using thin layer placement of dredged sediment

et al. 2021

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Coastal wetlands are experiencing accelerated rates of fragmentation and degradation due to sea-level rise, sediment deficits, subsidence, and salt-water intrusion. This reduces their ability to provide ecosystem benefits, such as wave attenuation, habitat for migratory birds, and a sink for carbon and nitrogen cycles. A deteriorated back barrier wetland in New Jersey, USA was nourished through thin layer placement (TLP) of dredged sediment in 2016. A field investigation was conducted in 2019 using a cone penetrometer (CPT) to quantify the establishment of soil strength post sediment nourishment compared to adjacent reference sites in conjunction with traditional wetland performance measures. Results show that the nourished area exhibited weaker strengths than the reference sites, suggesting the root system of the vegetation is still establishing. The belowground biomass measurements correlated to the CPT strength measurements, demonstrating that shear strength measured from the cone penetrometer could serve as a surrogate to monitor wetland vegetation trajectories. In addition, heavily trafficked areas underwent compaction from heavy equipment loads, inhibiting the development of vegetation and highlighting how sensitive wetlands are to anthropogenic disturbances. As the need for more expansive wetland restoration projects grow, the CPT can provide rapid high-resolution measurements across large areas supplying government and management agencies with vital establishment trajectories.

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“…These conditions were observed at two thin layer placement restoration projects: one project in the Narrow River Estuary, Rhode Island, and one project near Avalon, New Jersey (figure 4). A thin layer of sediment was strategically placed on these two degraded marshes to restore ecological function (Berkowitz et al 2018). Researchers documented the presence of black iron sulfide materials in the field within the recently restored marsh soils (described below in more details; Fanning, Rabenhorst, and Bigham 1993;Berkowitz and VanZomeren, 2020).…”

Section: Observations Of In Situ Formation Of Acid Sulfate Soils Follmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acid sulfate soils in coastal environments : a review of basic concepts and implications for restoration

VanZomeren¹,

Berkowitz²,

Piercy³

et al. 2020

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Acid sulfate soils naturally occur in many coastal regions. However, the oxidation of acid sulfate soils can decrease soil pH to <4.0, affecting vegetation and aquatic organisms. Acid sulfate soil oxidation typically occurs where anaerobic sediments or soils were exposed to aerobic conditions (for example, extended drought, artificial drainage, or dredged material placement in upland areas). Recently, field observations documented the formation of acid sulfate materials at multiple degraded marsh restoration locations (Rhode Island, New Jersey, California) following intentional dredged sediment placement into wetland environments designed to increase marsh elevation. Unlike previous studies of acid sulfate soils, the in situ dredged material did not contain acid sulfate-bearing materials at the time of placement; instead, the interaction between the marsh substrate and the overlying dredged material appears to have caused the formation of acid sulfate soils. These findings highlight the need for additional studies of acid sulfate soil formation and fate-especially within a marsh restoration context. In response, this report provides a review of literature related to acid sulfate soils, discusses preliminary data collected to evaluate acid sulfate material formation following marsh restoration, and identifies knowledge gaps requiring additional research and technical guidance. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.

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Evaluation of coastal wetland soil properties in a degrading marsh

Cited by 15 publications

References 54 publications

Pond Excavation Reduces Coastal Wetland Carbon Dioxide Assimilation

Pond Excavation Reduces Coastal Wetland Carbon Dioxide Assimilation

Establishment of soil strength in a nourished wetland using thin layer placement of dredged sediment

Acid sulfate soils in coastal environments : a review of basic concepts and implications for restoration

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