Abstract
Reliable ecological indicators of wetland integrity are necessary for assessing recovery of restored wetlands; yet, little consensus currently exists on which indicators are most appropriate. We employed indicators derived from simple, standard measures of ecosystem function selected on the basis of ecological succession theory developed by [Science 164 (1969) 262; Bioscience 35 (1985) 419], which suggests that respiration:biomass ratios should increase in disturbed systems due to the diversion of energy from growth to maintenance. This hypothesis holds potential for the development of a simple ecological indicator and therefore was tested among prairie wetlands restored after drainage disturbance. No difference was observed in respiration:biomass ratios in restored wetlands and reference wetlands designated as controls. Plankton respiration or biomass may be poor indicators of disturbance because plankton responds quickly to re-establishment of a wetland hydrology regime and/or because different plankton species may have redundant function. We suggest employing more revealing assessment techniques that employ simultaneous examination of ecosystem structure and function to better characterize subtle or lingering effects of wetland disturbance after restoration. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 245-253 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Ecological Indicators |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2004 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Research funding and support came from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Carolyn M. Crosby Fellowship, Dayton-Wilkie Fund for Natural History, Minnesota Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit, and US EPA, Office of Research and Development. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel of Waubay National Wildlife Refuge generously provided housing, equipment, and assistance. S. Weisberg provided statistics advice. R. J. Mayer assisted with field work, data entry, and editing. The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Copyright:
Copyright 2018 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- BOD
- Biomass
- Community respiration
- Ecological indicator
- Recovery
- Restored wetland