Phone: 660-856-3323 |
Moist Soil Management
When mud flats are exposed by summer drawdowns of water levels, moist soil plants develop. These plants have the potential to produce high seed yields that serve as an important food source for waterfowl and other wildlife.
A diversity of invertebrate and vegetative foods from different wetland types are needed on fall and spring migration areas to meet the changing nutritional demands of waterfowl and provide them with a complete diet.
The refuge has nine moist soil units, the largest of which are Swan Lake and South Pool. The units are drained on a staggered schedule from April through June, and reflooded during the fall or spring.
The photos below show a typical sequence of events in moist soil management, including drawdown, germination, soil disturbance, and reflooding.
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