Sedimentation of Prairie Wetlands
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street Southeast
Jamestown, ND 58401-7317
Abstract
Many wetlands in the prairie pothole region are embedded within an agricultural landscape where they are subject to varying degrees of siltation. Cultivation of wetland catchment areas has exacerbated soil erosion; wetlands in agricultural fields receive more sediment from upland areas than wetlands in grassland landscapes and hence are subject to premature filling (i.e., they have shorter topographic lives). Associated impacts from increased turbidity, sediment deposition, and increased surface water input likely have impaired natural wetland functions. Although trapping of sediments by wetlands is often cited as a water quality benefit, sediment input from agricultural fields has potential to completely fill wetlands and shorten their effective life-span. Thus, the value placed on wetlands to trap sediments is in conflict with maximizing the effective topographic life of wetlands. Herein, we provide an overview of sedimentation, identify associated impacts on wetlands, and suggest remedial management strategies. We also highlight the need to evaluate the impact of agricultural practices on wetland functions from an interdisciplinary approach to facilitate development of best management practices that benefit both wetland and agricultural interests.
This resource is based on the following source (Northern Prairie Publication 1034):
Gleason, Robert A. and Ned H. Euliss Jr. 1998. Sedimentation of prairie
wetlands. Great Plains Research 8(1):97-112.
This resource should be cited as:
Gleason, Robert A. and Ned H. Euliss Jr. 1998. Sedimentation of prairie
wetlands. Great Plains Research 8(1). Northern Prairie Wildlife
Research Center Online.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/wetlands/sediment/index.htm
(Version 03NOV98).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Erosion and Sedimentation
- Effects of Sedimentation on Wetland Function and Values
- Effects on Primary Production
- Effects on Aquatic Invertebrates
- Effects on Wildlife
- Effects on Hydrologic Functions
- Effects on Water Quality Functions
- Research Needs
- Reduction of Sediment Inputs
- Effects on Wetland Functions
- Wetland Restoration
- Conclusions
- References
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( 45K) -- Sedimentation of Prairie Wetlands
