Soils and Hydrologic Processes Drive Wet Meadow Formation and Approaches to Restoration, Western USA
WETLANDS
Authors: Schook, Derek M.; Borkenhagen, Andrea K.; McDaniel, Paul A.; Wagner, Joel, I; Cooper, David J.
Abstract
In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition encountered Nez Perce people at a wet meadow that now holds historical significance to both cultures. Over the past two centuries this northern Idaho site, known as Weippe Prairie, was modified by digging of drainage ditches and introduction of exotic plants for livestock forage. From 2013 to 2017 a restoration was implemented that included filling a drainage ditch and planting five native wetland species. Between 2008 and 2018 we analyzed monitoring well data to quantify water levels through time, soil oxidation/reduction stations to measure redox potential, vegetation plots to track community changes, and pits for soil characterization. Seasonal saturation occurred top-down from direct precipitation and sheet flow over fine-grained soil and a low permeability hardpan approximately 60 cm below ground. Resulting hydrologic effects included a mean water level rise of 23 cm and prolonged growing season saturation. Although the restoration appears to be on a desirable trajectory, two years were insufficient for the wet meadow to transition from dominance by exotic pasture grasses to native wetland species. A combination of recurring monitoring, adaptive management, time, and reevaluation of the physical and ecological processes driving wetland function is required to achieve longterm restoration success.
Evaluation of phytoaccumulation potential of toxic metals from sewage sludge by high-value aromatic plant geranium
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
Authors: Mazeed, A.; Lothe, N. B.; Kumar, A.; Sharma, S. K.; Srivastav, S.; Verma, R. K.
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the phytoextraction investigate the growth, yield and quality of essential oil of this aromatic plant grown in contaminated sludge. Methodology: The experiment was conducted at research farm of CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow during 2017-18 in vertical cemented column pots dug into soil. Six treatment groups of sewage sludge and soil were taken with four replication, i.e., T-1-100% sewage sludge, T-2-80% sewage sludge + 20% 2 soil, T-3-60% sewage sludge + 40% soil, T-4-40% sewage 4 sludge + 60% soil, T-5-20% sewage sludge + 80% soil and T-6-soil (only soil). Experimental soil was analysed at pre-harvest and post-harvest stage for soil characters. All plant attributes were recorded at the time of harvesting. Results: Result of the present study showed reduction in the heavy metals in the soil at harvest in comparison to the contents observed in soil at initial stage. All the parameters of growth, yield, biomass and essential oil were found to increase with the application rate of sewage sludge in geranium (CIM BIO-171). Interpretation: The results of the present study clearly indicate the phytoextraction capability of geranium plant (CIM BIO-171). Furthermore, the plants grown in contaminated sludge has all the beneficial impact on growth, yield and quality of essential oil.