Short- and Long-Term Response of Deteriorating Brackish Marshes and Open-Water Ponds to Sediment Enhancement by Thin-Layer Dredge Disposal |
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| Authors: | Megan K La Peyre Bryan Gossman Bryan P Piazza |
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| Institution: | (1) U.S. Geological Survey, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;(2) Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;(3) Present address: Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Coastal Restoration and Management, CERM Building, Suite 309, 2045 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA |
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| Abstract: | Artificial sediment enhancement using a thin layer of dredged material has been suggested as a means to increase elevation
and create soil conditions conducive to increased marsh structure and function in deteriorating marshes. Using a chronosequence
approach, we examined the effects of sediment enhancement in deteriorating marsh and open-water pond habitats located in six
brackish marshes. Sediment enhancement of both marsh and interior pond sites had significant, immediate, and long-lasting
effects on physical soil properties and nutrient status with increased bulk density and inorganic nitrogen. Vegetative cover
and productivity response were minimal for deteriorating vegetated marshes with the short-term response data showing no significant
impact of sediment enhancement and long-term trends indicating decreasing productivity over time. In contrast, trajectory
models of vegetative cover and productivity in interior pond sites showed increases over time indicating that, for restoration
of interior ponds, sediment enhancement may prove valuable. The use of trajectory models emphasizes the need for long-term
monitoring to determine restoration success of projects. |
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