moist-soil management

Managing your wetland:

Moist-soil management

Introduction

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Moist-soil management is the application or removal of water* at appropriate times during the spring or summer to promote the germination, growth, and subsequent production of moist-soil vegetation. This vegetation is usually made up of annual species common to early successional communities. These plants yield seeds, leaves, roots, and tubers that have a low deterioration rate in water. This plant material in turn provides energy and essential nutrients to wintering waterfowl. The most important factors that determine plant responses to moist-soil manipulations are:

Amount of sunlight reaching the ground/plant
Early successional, herbaceous vegetation that is produced by moist-soil management requires full sunlight to maximize growth and seed production. Impoundments should not be shaded.

Soil temperature
Soil temperature as it relates to the timing of drawdown has an effect on the types of plants that grow. Soil temperatures vary depending on the timing of drawdown.

Moil moisture (drawdown)
In order to grow desired vegetation, soil moisture must be maintained. Soil moisture is manipulated through the timing and amount of drawdown.

Soil chemistry (pH, nutrients, etc.)
Soil tests may be necessary to assess pH and nutrient deficiencies. Liming and/or fertilization may be required.

Seed bank
If there are insufficient seeds in the soil supplemental plantings may be required.

Successional stage of the plant community
Early successional plants are most desirable for waterfowl food. In time, without intervention, plant communities will change. Measures may be necessary to sustain the target plant community.

An example of a water control structure. Water flowing out of a managed wetland.
* Note that it is illegal to make major alterations - like filling or dredging - to an existing wetland without a permit from the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers.
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