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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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An Erratum to this article was published on 03 September 2010

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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Acknowledgments

We thank the NOAA Restoration Center for funding this project. John Rapp and Cheryl Brodnax with NOAA in Baton Rouge were critical in facilitating this project and providing helpful reviews. We thank Michelle Fischer for creating Fig. 1. We thank Felixcia Mendoza-Jones, Mason Piehler, and Whitney Gayle for the field and laboratory help on the project. We also thank Daniel Dearmon (LA-DNR, Thibodaux) for the Little Lake elevation data, Chris Toups (NRCS) for the other sites’ elevation data, Quin Kinler (NRCS) for the help in locating sites, elevation data, and his insightful comments, and the many state employees who helped in tracking down sites. We also thank all the land owners and land managers who provided site access including Randy Moertle, Jeff Deblieux (Burlington Resources), Ed Mouton (LA DWF), and Jack Moore (Terrebonne Parish School Board).

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  1. Bryan Gossman

    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

Authors and Affiliations

  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

    Megan K. La Peyre

  2. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Bryan Gossman & Bryan P. Piazza

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  1. Megan K. La Peyre
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  2. Bryan Gossman
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Correspondence to Megan K. La Peyre.

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An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12237-010-9339-5.

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La Peyre, M.K., Gossman, B. & Piazza, B.P. Short- and Long-Term Response of Deteriorating Brackish Marshes and Open-Water Ponds to Sediment Enhancement by Thin-Layer Dredge Disposal. Estuaries and Coasts 32, 390–402 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-008-9126-8

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