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Denitrification and soil characteristics of wetlands created on two mine soils in east Texas, USA

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Abstract

Recovery of wetland function is the primary goal of wetland creation. This study was undertaken to quantify denitrification and soil characteristics of wetlands created after lignite mine reclamation in east Texas, USA. Surface-soil denitrification rate and capacity were quantified using an acetylene (C2H2) inhibition/gas chromatography method in created wetlands of two age classes (4–8 years, and 10 years) on two mine soil types. Soil texture, pH, total-N, ammonium (NH4 +), nitrate (NO3 −), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total-P, and organic matter (OM) content were determined. Soil characteristics varied by soil type and by age. Denitrification rate ranged from less than 1 to 105 kg N ha−1yr−1, was highly variable, but did not differ among created wetlands. Denitrification rate was similar between natural and created wetlands. Denitrification capacity, denitrification rate when nitrate is in excess, ranged from 23 to 302 kg N ha−1yr−1 and varied by soil type. Denitrification appears to function as well in wetlands created on mine soil as in natural wetlands, but may be limited by soil characteristics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arthur Temple College of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 6109, 75962, Nacogdoches, Texas, USA

    Daniel Johns, Hans Williams & Kenneth Farrish

  2. Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 13003, 75962, Nacogdoches, Texas, USA

    Stephen Wagner

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  1. Daniel Johns
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  2. Hans Williams
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  3. Kenneth Farrish
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  4. Stephen Wagner
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Johns, D., Williams, H., Farrish, K. et al. Denitrification and soil characteristics of wetlands created on two mine soils in east Texas, USA. Wetlands 24, 57–67 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1672/0277-5212(2004)024[0057:DASCOW]2.0.CO;2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1672/0277-5212(2004)024[0057:DASCOW]2.0.CO;2

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