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Decomposition Trends of Five Plant Litter Types in Mitigated and Reference Wetlands in West Virginia, USA

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Abstract

Decomposition of organic matter in wetlands is linked to numerous wetland processes, making it a useful metric to assess wetland function. We measured plant litter decomposition rates in three mitigated and three reference wetlands located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, from 2007 to 2009. Four common wetland species were used: broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia L.), common rush (Juncus effusus L.), brookside alder (Alnus serrulata (Ait.)Willd.), and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). A fifth litter type was created from a mixture of common rush, brookside alder, and reed canary grass. Decomposition rates, based on percent of mass remaining, were similar between mitigated and reference wetlands. Percent mass remaining for reed canary grass was lower than all other litter types at the end of the study, and was significantly lower than cattail, which had the largest percent mass remaining on eight of the 14 collection dates. Linear decomposition rate constants for common rush, reed canary grass, and the mixed litter were similar, but were significantly larger than broadleaf cattail and brookside alder. Though some previous studies have found differing decomposition rates in mitigated and reference wetlands, this study observed similar environmentally mediated decomposition rates of a homogenized plant litter.

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Acknowledgments

Funding and logistical support was provided by the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), the West Virginia University (WVU) Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, the Environmental Research Center at WVU, the WVU Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We thank Dr. James Thompson, Dr. Kathryn Piatek, Dr. George Merovich, and the late William Grafton for providing support and advice. Norse Angus, with WVDOH, provided assistance when choosing wetlands and histories for those wetlands. Joe Mood allowed us access and use of the Bruceton Mills reference wetland. Field and lab help along with logistical support was provided by Gretchen Gingerich. Statistical help was provided by Gabe Strain. This is Scientific Article No. 3100 of the West Virginia University Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University, PO Box 6125, Percival Hall, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA

    R. Tristan Gingerich & James T. Anderson

  2. Environmental Research Center, West Virginia University, PO Box 6125, Percival Hall, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA

    James T. Anderson

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  1. R. Tristan Gingerich
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  2. James T. Anderson
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Correspondence to James T. Anderson.

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Gingerich, R.T., Anderson, J.T. Decomposition Trends of Five Plant Litter Types in Mitigated and Reference Wetlands in West Virginia, USA. Wetlands 31, 653–662 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-011-0181-8

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