Nearsurface Soil Morphology 10 Years after Constructing a Sandy Freshwater Tidal Wetland.

Many wetlands are constructed in the United States, and it is important to compare their properties with mitigation goals, one of which is meeting hydric soil indicators. This study will be conducted to measure the change in surface soil morphology of a sandy freshwater tidal wetland in Virginia, constructed in 2003. After excavation of upland soil (previously dredge material) to construct the wetland, four treatments and a control were applied (yardwaste compost at 35 ton/acre, yardwaste compost at 70 ton/acre, topsoil plus yardwaste compost at 35 ton/acre, topsoil without compost, and control). Soil descriptions, including matrix color (reduced, depleted, gleyed), iron concentrations, and iron depletions will be made and compared to descriptions 1 and 4 yr after construction. Since construction, there has been an increase in redoximorphic features due to treatment type. These properties (iron relocation) are progressing towards those of natural wetlands, and have caused the soils to meet hydric soil indicators.