Litter decomposition in created and reference wetlands in West Virginia, USA

Abstract

Large amounts of resources have gone into wetland mitigation in recent years; however, it is still unclear whether wetland function is being replaced along with wetland area. Litter decomposition is linked to numerous wetland functions. In this study, we measured plant litter decomposition potential over 12 months in 8 created and 8 reference wetlands located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, USA. Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia L.) litter bags were placed in each wetland and collected at 3 month intervals. Linear decomposition rate constants and percent mass remaining were similar between wetland types (created and reference) and among Cowardin classifications (palustrine: unconsolidated bottom, aquatic bed, emergent, and scrub/ shrub). Created wetland age was not correlated with decomposition potential. Our study found that created wetlands had similar litter decomposition potential as reference wetlands indicating that similar processes are likely acting upon litter decomposition within both natural and created wetlands.

Restoring a First Order Stream and Adjacent Riparian Wetlands In West Virginia: Integrating Lessons from Science and Practice

“…The importance and complexity of mitigation warrant the need to share success stories and failures (Selego et al 2012;Petty et al 2013;Gingerich et al 2014) so that managers and practitioners can improve and expand mitigation efforts (Paul et al 2022). Wetland researchers can contribute by sharing their knowledge of the ecological responses observed within mitigated wetlands (Balcombe et al 2005;Gingerich and Anderson 2011;Gingerich et al 2015;Noe et al 2022), but ultimately these responses must be linked to success criteria to be meaningful. Sharing this knowledge increases management effectiveness for other wetland professionals (Paul et al 2022).…”

Biodiversity Monitoring of a Riparian Wetland in a Mixed-Use Watershed in the Central Appalachians, USA, before Restoration

“…Vegetative community structures within created wetlands have been, on average, 26% lower than reference sites [2], and studies have showed that restored wetlands have significantly lower vegetative cover than natural wetlands [13,14]. Studies have alternatively found that mitigated wetlands have a higher diversity and abundance of wetland vertebrates (e.g., birds and anurans [15][16][17]) and provide similar or better wetland functions than reference wetlands [18][19][20][21][22]. Few studies have evaluated multiple taxa, and even fewer have evaluated faunal and floral response before, during, and after restoration, which could assist managers in identifying possible challenges and improvements to wetland mitigation.…”

Winter Waterbird Community Composition and Use at Created Wetlands in West Virginia, USA

“…In West Virginia, Gingerich and Anderson [14], Gingerich et al [15], and Balcombe et al [16] examined litter decomposition and plant communities, respectively, in mitigated and reference wetlands. Francl et al [17] surveyed small mammal communities at wetlands in West Virginia and Maryland.…”