AUTHOR=Moritz Christopher M. , Vepraskas Michael J. , Ricker Matthew C. 

TITLE=A rapid approach for ecological assessments in Carolina Bay wetlands that were previously converted to agriculture

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Forests and Global Change

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/forests-and-global-change/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1148935

DOI=10.3389/ffgc.2023.1148935

ISSN=2624-893X

ABSTRACT=Restoring wetlands is expensive, and methods for evaluating restoration success are needed.  This study developed chronosequences for use in ecological assessments (EAs) of restoration projects for Carolina Bay Wetlands (CBWs) in the Southeastern U.S. that were previously used for agriculture. An empirical method was also developed to estimate saturation levels to be used with the chronosequences. Data were collected from nine restored CBWs whose restoration ages ranged from 0-23 years.  Plots were sorted into four Hydrologic Groups: 0-13, 14-50, 51-100, and 101+ consecutive days of saturation within 30 cm of the soil surface during the growing season. Litter thickness, tree basal area, and potential tree height were measured within a variable radius plot using a 10-factor prism. Litter thickness and tree height peaked at 15 years since restoration, once crown closure occurred at the sites. In Groups 1 and 2, tree basal area peaked at 15 years and in Groups 3 and 4 it increased linearly to 23 and 21 years.  Regression equations were developed (R2=0.57-0.73) to estimate saturation duration based on hydrology indicators, litter thickness, tree height, and soil type. These results showed that chronosequences and saturation duration would be useful for setting targets for restored CBWs at time periods ranging from 5 to 23 years.